Mary Gay Mullins, 83, died December 14, 2020, at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson. She was born January 30, 1937, in Melbourne, AR, to Autry Vernon and Mary Jean (Estes) Rector.
Gay graduated from Arlington High School, Arlington, KS, in 1955, where she played basketball and was a cheerleader. After high school, she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Emporia State University. Gay was an elementary school teacher who loved her students and made each student feel special. Her career consisted of remedial reading, Title 1, and as a 2nd grade teacher. Her career spanned 31 years in the Hutchinson School District. Gay was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, KNEA, NEA, Hutchinson Retired Teachers Association, Emporia State University Alumni Association, and Eastwood Church of Christ.
On April 5, 1958, she married James P. Mullins in Detroit, MI. Gay and Jim moved to Hutchinson in 1960 and they shared 62 years of marriage. Gay and Jim loved going out to eat together and spending time with their children and grandchildren. She instilled a love of reading and learning with each of her grandchildren. Gay loved watching sports of all kinds, especially K-State athletics. Gay’s love of her family has been an inspiration to all of us.
Survivors include her husband, Jim; sons, Steve Mullins (Debbie), Hutchinson, Eric Mullins (Diana), South Hutchinson; grandchildren, Matt Mullins (Ashley), Merriam, Chris Mullins (fiancé, De’Nae Torres), Hutchinson, Sarah Engel (Brent), Wichita; great-grandchildren, Jasper and Crew Mullins, and baby boy Engel; and many extended family members.
Gay was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Patsy Gallagher.
Private family graveside services were held in Fairlawn Burial Park. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to Mennonite Friendship Communities, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.