Mary Darlene Tunnell, 74, Chanute, died Monday, Feb. 23, 2009 at her home.

Mary was born in rural Chanute on May 3, 1934, the daughter of Harry and Hattie Johnson Larson. She graduated from Chanute High School in 1951. She attended Chanute Junior College graduating in 1953. Mary continued her education at Pittsburg State University earning her Bachelor’s Degree in 1966 and her Master’s Degree in 1979.

She was united in marriage to Clyde Tunnell on Oct. 29, 1954 at the Colfax Baptist Church. He preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 1993. Mary was an Elementary teacher for eight years. She also worked in the School Library for 29 years, serving as Director of Library Services for USD 413 for 13 years.

She was a member of the Colfax Baptist Church, serving as Sunday School Superintendent for more than 25 years, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Chanute Retired Teachers Association and the Red Hat Society.

Her favorite pastimes included traveling, watching sports, playing ball and spending time with her family.

Mary is survived by two daughters, Debra D. Lemieux and her husband, Loyd, and Cindy L. Dent and her husband, Brian, all of Chanute; two sons, Steven E. Tunnell, Chanute, and Douglas L. Tunnell and his wife, Angela, of Olathe; grandchildren, Holly Burke of Lawrence, Randy Jack of Independence, Jonathan Tunnell of Olathe, Madison Tunnell of Olathe and Jackson Tunnell of Olathe; and a sister, Dorothy Beck of Chanute.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Clyde; a sister Helen Horton; and two brothers, Charles Larson and Dale Larson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27 at the Colfax Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Neosho County Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight from 7 until 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel.

Memorials in her name may be made to the Colfax Baptist Church, in care of the funeral home, 16 N. Forest, Chanute, Kansas 66720.