The Heavenly Dance: A Tribute to Makayla Grace Runyon

Makayla Grace Runyon, age 14, was called home to her Heavenly Father on December 29 2025, where she is now dancing on streets of gold. Born on June 28, 2011, Makayla was a cherished gift to her family—a girl who reflected God’s beauty and grace through every movement of her life. You could see her beautiful spirit through her smile that lit up the room.

From a young age, Makayla developed a talent and love for ballet and dancing. A dedicated student at Epi Center for the Arts, she viewed the stage as her mission field—a place to spread light and joy. Whether she was perfecting her pointe work or encouraging a friend, she lived with a quiet strength rooted in her faith.

Throughout her life and battle with cancer, Makayla found great comfort in the Word of God. We take solace today in the promise of her favorite scripture:

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday." — Psalm 91:4–6

Though our hearts are heavy, we find peace knowing that Makayla is now safely resting under those wings. She has taken her final earthly bow and has been welcomed into the arms of her Creator, where she now performs for an audience of One. We imagine her leaping through the clouds, free and filled with the perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.

She is survived by her parents, Aaron and Melissa Runyon, and her sister, Ally Runyon, who cling to the promise that we will one day see her dance again in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Service Details: A celebration of Makayla’s life and her journey to eternal rest will be held on January 9th at The Mount Church in Keller, Texas at 11:00.  In honor of her favorite color, vibrant spirit and the joy of the Resurrection, the family invites attendees to wear teal or white. 

The celebration will be followed by the graveside burial service at Bear Creek Cemetery. 

The Mount Church

860 Keller Smithfield Rd, Keller, TX 76248.

Bear Creek Cemetery

100 Bear Creek Cemetery Rd, Euless, TX

In place of sending fresh flowers, the family requests that one of two options be used. 

The Runyon family would like to bless Cooks Children’s with Lego flowers for the children who are admitted for in-patient cancer treatment.  Makayla loved Lego flowers and in her memory we would like to bless other children who are going through treatment.  The Legos can be sent to the Runyon’s directly or to Cooks Children’s Oncology unit. 

The below non-profits either directly blessed the Runyon family during treatment or are creating advocacy for additional cancer research and treatment for pediatric cancer. 

https://operationbliss.org/

https://www.curefestusa.org/

https://rallyfoundation.org/

https://www.awoccf.org/

https://www.ouramazingfighters.org/

https://leiaskids.org/

An audio guestbook has also been created for anyone who would like to share a message with the Runyon family during this time.  They would love to hear how Makayla has impacted others. 

 (817) 214-3227