October 15, 2025

Linn County News

Published October 22, 2025

Norma Jeanne (Riley) Long, age 87, of La Cygne, Kan., passed away Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at Vintage Park in Osawatomie, Kan., surrounded by family.

Norma was born on Aug. 21, 1938, in Liberal, Kan., to Frederick and Erma (Smith) Riley, the youngest of three sisters. She was lovingly referred to as Peewee. She was united in marriage to Raymond Ratty in 1958. They made a life together in Raytown, Mo. To this union, three children were born, Rick, Randy and Stacy. Ray preceded her in death on Nov. 7, 1967. Norma always cherished her time and friends from Raytown.

She later met and married Donald Long of La Cygne in 1972 and gained 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. Her door was always open to whomever needed a place to stay. They enjoyed their retirement years with friends, community, vacations and grandchildren. Donald preceded her in death on Jan. 10, 2023. Norma loved being a mother, grandmother, Aunt Peewee and friend. 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 (Trudi) Ratty, Randy (Brenda) Ratty, Stacy (John) Longgood, Richard (Phyllis) Long, Dennis (Evelyn) Long; grandchildren; Ryland Ratty, Joe (Crystal) Riggs, RaeAnna Riggs, Amber (Tim) Hutchens, Logan (Brooke) Ratty, Cooper (Nastassia) Ratty, Lisa (Bryan) Vest, Brian (Danielle) Long, Justin (Anne) Long, Angela (Ricky) Purtle, Denny (Lauren) Long; 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, Oct. 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.