Mary Kay Nunley

Mary Kay Nunley of Emporia died on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Stormont Vail Hospital. She was 64.

Mary was born on June 12, 1962, in Hardtner, Kansas, the daughter of Robert and Mollie Harbaugh Watts. She married Mark Nunley on July 28, 1981, in Wellington, Kansas.

Surviving family members include, husband Mark Nunley of the home; sons, Josh Nunley of New Bern, North Carolina, Chad Nunley of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Michael (Angela) Nunley of Olpe; grandchildren, Isabell, Addi and Aspyn Nunley, Lauryn Molina, Josh, Tyler, and Gavin Nunley, James, Noah, Kate, and Grace Nunley; great-granddaughter Paisley Nunley; mother-in-law, Sandra Nunley of Wichita; brothers, Gary (Karen) Watts of Hardtner, Mark (Connie) Watts of Medicine Lodge, and Tony (Wendy) Watts of Montezuma, Kansas; sister-in-laws, Debbie (Jay) Storey of Andover, Karen (Gary) Watts of Hardtner, Kansas and Kim (Nick) Whiteman of Parkville, Missouri; she also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law Sedric Nunley, and nephew Sean Holderman.

Mary loved growing up in Hardtner, Kansas, and often spoke fondly of the memories she made and the lifelong friendships she formed there. During her years in Hardtner, she was an active member of the Methodist Church, a community that was important to her throughout her life. She later spent many years managing the Corner Stop in Kiowa, where her warm personality and friendly smile made her a familiar and beloved presence in the community.

Mary and Mark eventually moved to Hawaii, where they enjoyed eight wonderful years surrounded by the beauty, adventure, and spirit of island life. While there, she worked as a bookkeeper for Clarke & Associates, a position she continued to hold until her passing. She and Mark were also active members of New Hope Church, where they found friendship and fellowship.

In time, they returned to the mainland to be closer to family and to spend more time doing what Mary loved most, keeping up with her grandchildren. Affectionately known as “Grammy,” she treasured every opportunity to attend their activities, celebrate their accomplishments, and share in the moments that mattered most. Her grandchildren adored her, and her love for them was evident in everything she did. Their bond was one of the greatest joys and proudest blessings of her life.

Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Kiowa Community Center in Kiowa. Memorial contributions to the Team James Nunley Medical Fund or the Wounded Warrior Project United Fund can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.