Welcome to Tootleville Publishing, Miltonvale, Kansas, the website of J. Dawn Rountree (pen name).

Dawn Humphrey was born in Columbia, Tennessee. She was the second of seven children. She grew up on a farm where she delighted in going barefoot, swimming in the creek, and picking wild blackberries in the summer.

After graduating from high school in McEwen, Tennessee, Dawn moved to Missouri where she met her first husband, Ralph Timothy Thorn. After Ralph became a pastor, his work led them to Miltonvale, Kansas, a town which was almost named Tootleville in the 1800s for its founder Milton Tootle. Thus Tootleville Publishing!

Ralph and Dawn were married 44 years, and many of their years were spent living in a farmhouse set on 13 acres which they lovingly named Thornberry Acres.  

After Ralph’s death of kidney cancer, Dawn began writing, first, because writing was therapeutic for her. Then she began writing for Meadowlark Hospice where she led bereavement groups.

After her husband Ralph’s death, Dawn married Thomas Phelps whose wife had also died. She continues to write for hospice and her hometown newspaper.

Her publications include two books, Finding Your Clover after a Loss and Tales from Tootleville—Just a Little Light; “Pathways through Grief” (6 mailers); three booklets—What Can I Do with My Broken Heart—Stepping Stones through Grief; From Holidays Past to Holidays Future—Finding Joy after a Loss; and Finding Hope As Seasons Change.

Dawn’s southern roots, her life at Thornberry Acres, and her grief journey are reflected in her stories. She is a Registered Nurse, Licensed Master Social Worker, wife, mother, and grandmother.