06/16/2008 – 05/23/2024
West Chester, Ohio
Aspen Dylan Runnels (he/them, born Dylan Bradley Runnels) departed this world less than a month prior to their 16th birthday. They were a constant source of encouragement and light to those around them. They were finishing up their freshman year at Lakota East Freshman Campus when their life was tragically cut short. They were involved in color guard, art club, drama, yearbook, French club, med club, and many other after school activities. They volunteered at the local teen center and worked with their mother at a mental health clinic in Middletown, OH. They loved Taylor Swift, purple, video games, hiking, and spending time with friends.
Aspen always went out of their way to be kind to everyone. They opened doors for strangers, spent extra time talking to teachers outside of class, and was kind to those whom he saw getting bullied. They were the kind of person who smiled through whatever pain they felt inside. They were always the first to volunteer to help someone. They loved dogs and volunteered at a kennel for a short time.
Aspen will be truly missed by their family, coworkers, teachers, and friends, as well as many classmates who never got the chance to know them as well as they would’ve liked. Their legacy is one of love and acceptance of others, and above all being authentic to one’s self. 🔥
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