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On June 24, 2026, Dorothy Runkel Dronkers left us, while clutching what she was sure was, her one-way ticket to Heaven. Built into this journey was a short lay-over at the Rainbow Bridge to reunite with Tuffy and Henry, plus the many other cats she had loved during her lifetime. Awaiting her arrival in Heaven will be her parents, Alfred and Esther (McLaren) Runkel and her husband, Daniel J. Dronkers.
She is survived by her brother, James, and sister-in-law, Beth Runkel, plus their daughter, Lindsay Runkel, and sons Ian and Joshua. Other much-loved relatives include her husband's nieces, Linda (Riley) Schlueter and Carol (Roger) Franke, and nephew, Dan (Anna) Taylor.
Born February 15, 1936, in Fredonia, NY, Dot attended Fredonia High School and State University of NY at Potsdam, graduating in 1958, which was the same year she married Dan, whom she had met at college. Dot taught first, third and fourth grades for 38 years in East Irondequoit, NY; Corning, NY; and mainly in Geneva, NY. One of the ways she tried to give back to the profession was by mentoring student teachers from the colleges. She was a member of AAUW and several other professional organizations.
Following her retirement in 1996, she and Dan enjoyed traveling. Their trips took them to Cancun, Mexico; Costa Rica; Canada; Europe; South America; and Africa. They also made several trips across the U.S. in their RV.
One of her favorite activities was keeping in touch and laughing with friends. She was a docent at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida for about 10 years and enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles.
If anyone is interested in donating in her memory, suggestions would be the ASPCA, Tunnels to Towers, or Wounded Warriors.
To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.