Mary Ellen (Toombs) Dunphy

Mary Ellen (Toombs) Dunphy, of Stockton, passed away on October 7, 2023, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS, at the age of 90.

She was born on February 28, 1933, to Homer Arthur and Mary Ellen (Green) Toombs in York, Neb. She married William Robert “Bill” Dunphy on November 30, 1957.

Mary grew up in York, Neb., and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1950. She then attended Mount Marty College in Yankton, S.D., and completed her registered nursing certification at St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island, Neb. She began her nursing career at the VA Hospital in Grand Island, later transferring to St. Joseph / Via Christi in Wichita.  

Mary loved to travel and shared many adventures with her husband, Bill. Social gatherings were her favorite pastime, and her best friend from high school, Kathy, can confirm that her sense of humor was always the best, making every gathering fun. She enjoyed visiting with friends, playing dice or card games, and even dancing when the mood struck. Most Friday nights, you would find her around the table playing Pitch with Alice, Rose, Henry, or whoever might be interested in staying up past midnight for that extra hand to break a tie. She especially looked forward to family time and learning the newest games during the nightly card sessions at the Toombs Reunion each June. She also enjoyed the occasional adventure to the casino with her Stockton and Wichita friends, hoping for that lucky spin. She was an avid Cornhusker and Chiefs fan, cheering on her teams and reporting to Cousin Nanci on whether Nebraska was “playing worth a darn.” German shepherds were her choice of pet, Keeno and Bear being her favorites. She made sure Bear had a treat (or two) before turning to bed each night, where surprisingly, she allowed Coco the cat also to curl up. She loved playing piano, especially the Blue Danube, and in her younger days, she enjoyed singing in the choir.

She is survived by her nieces, Anne (Troy) Williams, Barbie Coghlin, Colleen Rondinelli, and Jan (Dave) Wesley; nephews, Jeff Toombs and Jon (Bonnie) Toombs; eight great-nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Margaret Toombs; “adopted” grandchildren, Tyler (Gracie Dibble) Williams, Tristan Williams, Colton Williams, and Miranda (Jason) Knoll; and two “adopted” great-grandchildren, Lyndyn and Dottie Knoll.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer Arthur and Mary Ellen Toombs; husband, Bill Dunphy; brothers, James “Jim” Toombs and Jon Thomas “Tom” Toombs; and niece, Jenny Simmons.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 10 a.m., at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Stockton. A Graveside Service and burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in York, Neb. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5-7 p.m., with a Vigil and Rosary Service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home in Stockton.

Memorials are suggested to St. Thomas Catholic Church - Stockton and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com