Mary E. Dunn, 85, died July 12, 2011 at the Emporia Presbyterian Manor in Emporia. She was born on October 22, 1925 at her Aunt Kate's house in Dodge City weighing only four pounds. Mary was the daughter of Winfield and Clara Elizabeth (Bell) Scofield.

Mary grew up in Dodge City. She attended schools there and graduated from Dodge City High School on May 27, 1943. During the summer of the same year, she attended Dodge City Junior College where she completed her requirements for and Emergency Teaching Certificate. Her first job was with the Prairie Flower District No. 51 near Ensign. While teaching that year, she turned 18. Mary later worked as a cashier at the Crown Theatre and later was a manager of a Branch PX on the Dodge City Air Force Base. On July 1, 1946, Mary married Dean Dunn in Dodge City. He preceded her in death on October 11, 1992. After she was married, she went back to college to become a second grade teacher and ended up impacting on the lives of many children.

She was a long standing member of the First Christian Church of Dodge City. Mary taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, led the children's music on Sunday mornings, and sang in the adult choir.

Mrs. Dunn is survived by two daughters, DeeAnn L. Kreger of Kansas City and Dawn E. Springer of Castlerock, Colorado; one sister, Katie of Wichita; two grandsons; one granddaughter; and three great granddaughters. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Glen and Dallas and one sister Doris.

Funeral service will be held at First Christian Church of Dodge City on Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 10:00 AM with Mr. Phil Scott presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Friday, July 15, 2011 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer's Foundation care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.