Mary Virginia (Kaufman) Tullis, the daughter of George and Rosa (Comer) Kaufman, was born February 15, 1927, northeast of Craig, Missouri. She attended Nodaway-Holt High School, Graham, Missouri, graduating in 1945. In 1948, she enrolled at Missouri Methodist Hospital, St. Joseph, Missouri, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1952.

Mary was united in marriage to Elwin Tullis and became the parents of one son, Richard. They later divorced.

Mary was employed as a nurse’s aide for St. Frances Hospital, Maryville, Missouri. She later moved to Colorado where she worked as a registered nurse for numerous hospitals and nursing homes. After returning to Northwest Missouri, Mary was employed by Tarkio Rehabilitation and Health Care, Tarkio, Missouri, then Pleasant View Nursing Home, Rock Port, Missouri, retiring in 1990.

Mary was a member of Assembly of God Church, Tarkio, and former member of Sam R. Albright American Legion Auxiliary Post #411. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, watching game shows, and sewing. Mary also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mary passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Tarkio Rehabilitation and Health Care, Tarkio, at the age of 96.

Besides her parents, Mary was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister. Survivors include son, Richard (Debbie) Tullis, Tarkio; grandchildren, Michael (Karla) Tullis, Amy (Ashton) Freeman, and Christina Tullis; step-great-grandchildren, Saily and Gavin Freeman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Assembly of God Church, Tarkio. Open visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, at Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. There is no scheduled family visitation. Interment will be at Center Grove Cemetery, Westboro, Missouri. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Tarkio. Online obituaries and condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.