Norma Jeanne Long

August 21, 1938 — October 13, 2025

La Cygne, Kansas

Norma Jeanne (Riley) Long, age 87, La Cygne, Kansas, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, surrounded by family at Vintage Park in Osawatomie, Kansas. Norma was born on August 21, 1938, in Liberal, Kansas, to Frederick and Erma Smith Riley.

The youngest of 3 sisters, she’s was lovely referred to as PeeWee. She was united in marriage to Raymond Ratty in 1958. They made a life together in Raytown, Missouri. To this union, three children were born, Rick, Randy and Stacy. Ray preceded her in death in 1967. Norma always cherished her time and friends from Raytown.

She later met and married Donald Long of La Cygne in 1972, gaining two bonus sons. Norma and Don enjoyed life on the farm where they built a home together. There was always a cat, dog or cow around that was treated as family. They enjoyed their retirement years with friends, community, vacations and grandchildren. Don preceded her in death in 2023.

Norma loved being a mother, grandmother, Aunt Peewee and friend. Her home was always open to friends or family needing a place to feel safe and loved. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, sewing, crafting, antiquing and bird watching. Norma attended New Lancaster United Methodist Church. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Carol Perkins and Lois Harkins.

Norma is survived by her children, Rick Ratty (Trudi), Randy Ratty (Brenda), Stacy Longgood (John), Richard Long (Phyllis), Dennis Long (Evelyn); grandchildren, Ryland Ratty, Joe Riggs (Crystal), RaeAnna Riggs, Amber Hutchens (Tim); Logan Ratty (Brooke), Cooper Ratty, Lisa Vest (Bryan), Brian Long (Danielle), Justin Long (Anne), Angela Purtle (Ricky), Denny Long (Lauren), Angela (Dave) Barrett, Nicolas Long; as well as thirty-six great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, her cherished nieces and nephews, friends, and her beloved cat Beau.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday October 18, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory La Cygne Chapel. Burial in the Oak Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to service time at the La Cygne Chapel. Memorial contributions are suggested to Grady's Kids or La Cygne Food Pantry. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on October18, 2025.)