Marlyn Louise Long

Marlyn Louise Long, 78, of Independence, Kansas, passed away at home on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Potts Chapel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 10, 2026, at First Assembly of God Church in Independence, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to assist the family with expenses, and may be left at the service or mailed to Potts Funeral Home at 122 S. Penn, Independence, KS 67301. Marlyn was born on August 9, 1947, in Howard, Kansas, to Joseph and Bertha Marie (Peninger) Light. She attended schools in Howard, Kansas. On November 25, 1964, she married Ray Weaver in Howard, Kansas, with whom she shared four children: Ronda, Sherry, Denece, and Jason. The couple divorced in March of 1976. Marlyn later married Thomas Wilbur Long on December 3, 1977, in Burden, Kansas, and gained two additional children Nickie and Josh. Together Maryln and Tom shared 48 years of marriage and built a life in Independence. Marlyn moved from many years of babysitting to a two- decade career at Standard Motor Manufacturing. She was also a member of and regularly attended the First Assembly of God Church in Independence. Maryln enjoyed spending time with her family, raising goats and going to the goat sale with her husband Tom, and watching her many children and great grandchildren in their various sports and activities. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Larry Wayne Light; one brother-inlaw, Jim Smith; one son-in-law Henry Modich; and two grandchildren Caytlon Annatte Wheeler and Christian Edward Wheeler. Those left to cherish her memory include her six children: Jason Weaver of Salina, Kansas; Ronda Rae Modich of Independence, Kansas; Sherry Lynn (John) Miller of Sedan, Kansas; Denece Marie (Robert) Ward of Golden, Missouri; Nickie Lorraine (Vance) Poe of Oswego, Kansas; and Joshua Bryant Long of Havana, Kansas; one sister, Barbara Jo Smith of Eureka, Kansas; 28 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.pottsfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Potts Chapel.