Barbara Ellen Long

Barbara Ellen Long, 72, of Cherryvale, Kansas passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones on October 3, 2026. She was born on February 17, 1954, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Barbara graduated from Cherryvale High School in Cherryvale, Kansas, in 1972. On July 1, 1972, she married Joe Long at 1st Baptist Church in Cherryvale, Kansas, beginning a marriage that remained at the heart of her life. She went on to attend K-State, where she earned her degree in Horticulture and graduated in 1988. 

Barbara worked as a homemaker and also worked for Newtons True Value, where she managed the gift department. She was also a member of the Cherryvale School Board in Cherryvale, Kansas. In each role, she gave her time and care to her family, her work, and her community.

She was a proud member of the 1st Methodist Church in Cherryvale, Kansas. Barbara found joy in gardening, decorating her home, traveling to different places, and cheering on the Kansas University Jayhawks and the Kansas City Chiefs. More than anything, she loved spending time and having fun with her grandchildren, who brought great happiness to her life.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Joe Long of Cherryvale, Kansas; her mother, Mary Lumbley of Independence, Kansas; and her daughters, Cari Scott and her husband Darin of Independence, Kansas, Megan Menzer and her husband Jeff of Cherryvale, Kansas, and Tessie Horning and her husband Lee of Grove, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her brother, Steve Lumbley and his wife Penny of Cherryvale, Kansas.

Her family continued to grow in ways that brought her deep pride and joy. She is survived by her grandchildren, Drake Menzer (Ragan Myers), Lindsay Powell and her husband Tre, Lillian Horning, Abigail Scott, Ellen Horning, and Jolee Gleue and her husband Hatten. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Bentley Menzer, Maizey Menzer, Kennedee Menzer, and Parker Hale. Barbara’s love for her family was clear in the way she treasured time with them and celebrated each generation.

She was preceded in death by her father, Cliffton G. Lumbley; her sister, Debra Hendrix; and her brother-in-law, Dennis Hendrix.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cherryale Methodist Church, 305 West 3rd Street, Cherryvale, Kansas. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Cherryale Methodist Church. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale, Kansas.

Barbara will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her faith, her service to her community, and the warmth she brought to the people around her. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the Cherryvale Food Bank and may be left or sent to Wickham Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service - 216 East 4th Street, Cherryvale, Kansas 67335.