Mary Francis Tolbert, 89, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on January 28, 2021. Mary was born September 28, 1931, the daughter of Ray and Ethel Pumphrey Barr. She graduated from Garnett High School in 1949. Mary attended Kansas State Teachers College on a Music Scholarship and met the love of her life, Delbert Tolbert. They were married on June 22, 1950. She ran an in-home daycare for many years. After Delbert retired, they started Delmar Painting and Wallpapering business. Mary was a member of First Baptist Church in Garnett, Chanute and Manhattan, Kansas, where she also sang in the choir at each of them. She was an avid Royals and Chief fan and artist, enjoying photography, jewelry making and watercolor painting. Mary played a mean game of jacks. Mary was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Mary is survived by her children, Cynthia Gunckel (Leslie), Susan Liotta (Jim), Steven Tolbert (Gail), and Sara Rempel (Terry); grandchildren, Colin Gunckel (Liaa), Emily Manning (Troy), Allison Wagoner, Michael Liotta (Sarah), Adrienne Miller (Ryan), Sara Liotta (Jeff), Bryan Tolbert (Stephanie), Rebecca Tolbert, Eric Tolbert (Jess), Zachary Rempel and Zoe Rempel; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings, Harold Barr, Virginia Alban and John Barr. Mary’s memorial service will be private but may be viewed online 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2021, on the Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Manhattan High School Art Department, and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.
Mary Francis Tolbert, 89, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on January 28, 2021. Mary was born September 28, 1931, the daughter of Ray and Ethel Pumphrey Barr. She graduated from Garnett High School in 1949. Mary attended Kansas State Teachers College... View Obituary & Service Information