Mary Ellen Ennis

Mary Ellen Ennis, 92, of Louisburg, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, at Vintage Park of Louisburg.

Visitation will be held at 10 am, Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Louisburg United Methodist Church, 249 N Metcalf Road, Louisburg, Kansas 66053. Funeral service to follow at 11 am. Burial will be held at the Louisburg Cemetery, following the funeral.

Born on October 25, 1932, near Bucyrus, Kansas, Mary Ellen was the sixth of seven children to Oscar Deane and Edna (Lee) Gardner. In 1937, her family moved to Louisburg, where she began her education at the age of five. She graduated as Miami County valedictorian from grade school in 1946, and later graduated with the class of 1950 from Louisburg Rural High School.

Following a summer of business school, Mary Ellen built a successful career at the Bank of Louisburg, where she held various positions, ultimately serving as Secretary to the Board of Directors. After her time at the bank, she continued her employment with several smaller businesses in the Kansas City area before retiring in 1994 to dedicate her time to her beloved grandchildren.

In February of 1951, Mary Ellen married James W. Tooley, and together they raised five children: James Kenneth, Susan Gayle, Kevin William, Carol Lucille, and Cynthia Ann. The family operated a Grade A dairy farm in the New Lancaster community. For twenty years, Mary Ellen shared her musical talents as the pianist for the New Lancaster Methodist Church and organized the church choir, contributing to numerous cantatas and special occasions. Her first marriage concluded in divorce in 1980.

Mary Ellen cherished watching her grandchildren participate in sports and enjoyed activities such as crocheting and playing bridge. A dedicated member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for over 30 years, she served as treasurer regent and held various committee roles during her membership. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Kansas City Royals and KU basketball and found joy in reading, always with a novel nearby.

Her love for music and her church was evident throughout her life. In high school, she participated in a "hillbilly" band and sang in the school glee club. For over thirty years, she sang alto in community choirs in both Louisburg and New Lancaster and was a dedicated member of the Louisburg United Methodist Church, where she served as treasurer and communion steward for many years.

In 1998, Mary Ellen married William H. Ennis, and she embraced his family with open arms, hosting memorable family dinners featuring her legendary angel biscuits. Mary Ellen exemplified love and dedication as the primary caregiver for her husband through significant health challenges over a five-year period.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William Ennis, and five siblings: Doris Bauserman, Dorothy Armstrong, James Gardner, Edwin Gardner, and Lois Cook.

She is survived by her five children, James "Ken" (Jean) Tooley, Susan (Richard) Jost, Kevin (Mary) Tooley, Carol (John) Coffey, and Cindy (Justin) Laipple; 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; her sister Carrol Weldy; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Ascend Hospice or Vintage Park Louisburg, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.

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