Nancy Elizabeth Dunton, 78, of Overland Park, Kansas died at 1:13 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, at her home in Overland Park, Kansas.

Nancy was born Sept. 26, 1948, in Pittsburg, Kansas as the daughter of Claire and Frederica Richardson Dunton. Nancy was raised in Arcadia, Kansas, where she attended the Arcadia school system. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas and later received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin.

Nancy enjoyed a distinguished career as a research scientist specializing in nursing quality. She retired in 2022 from the School of Nursing at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she was highly respected for her research, dedication to improving nursing practice, and her mentorship of graduate students and faculty.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Nancy enjoyed a rich social life and was known for her quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and her love of movies and the arts. She was also a lifelong member of P.E.O., an organization she supported with pride throughout her life.

Nancy is survived by her sister, Susan Tassi; her nephews, Jeff Tassi and Scott Tassi; and her great-nephews, Brayden, Denton, and Kendrick Tassi. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claire Dunton and Frederica Richardson Dunton, and by her sister, Beverly Hunsaker.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Bedene Funeral Home at Arma, Kansas with the Rev. Mark Crist officiating. Burial will be at the Sheffield Cemetery at Arcadia, Kansas. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 A.M. Wednesday at the Bedene Funeral Home prior to the services at 11 A.M. The family suggests memorials in Nancy’s honor to the ALS Research Foundation at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Donations may be sent to or left at the Bedene Funeral Home, 517 E. Washington, PO Box 621, Arma, Kansas 66712.