Jayne Longnecker-Harper

July 11, 1938 – January 22, 2026

Jayne Selby Longnecker-Harper, M.Ed., beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, educator, entrepreneur, founder of Benchmark Transitions, and co-founder of Young Adult Transition Association (YATA), passed away peacefully, with her family at her side, both in person and virtually, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 12:52 p.m.

Born Frances Jane Selby on July 11, 1938, in Burley, Idaho, to Francis Willard “Mutt” Selby and Ella Jane Rutledge. Jayne grew up in Chico, California, with her younger brother, Glenn, where her lifelong love of music began. At the age of 21, she legally changed her name from Jane to Jayne, a testament to her emerging independence and sense of autonomy.

She had a beautiful singing voice, played the piano and ukulele, and sang in her church choir throughout her youth and into adulthood. She attended Graceland College, Central Missouri State University, and the University of Colorado, earning her Bachelor of Arts in education and her Master of Arts in special education.

Jaynie met Donald “Don” James Harper when they were just eight years old. They grew up together in Chico as childhood pals, later became teenage sweethearts, and remained each other’s first love. Life took them on separate paths—Don married his first wife, Patti Elam, in 1959, and Jayne later married Dr. Jack William Longnecker, DDS, in 1963.

Jayne and Jack raised four children in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she worked extensively in special‑education schools and programs. Jaynie and Jack divorced in 1976 but remained close. Despite a period of conflict, they reconciled and were together again when Jack died in 1986.

Motivated by the profound personal loss following her late husband Jack’s death in 1986, Jayne made the courageous decision to move her family from their life in Colorado to Redlands, California. It was in California that Jayne found a new calling, feeling a deep, compelling need to dedicate her life to helping young adults grappling with complex mental-health and substance-use challenges. This unwavering dedication culminated in the founding of Benchmark Transitions, a program that would grow from humble beginnings into a nationally recognized and respected treatment center. Jayne served as the driving force and guiding vision behind Benchmark's success, finally retiring in 2023 after decades of tireless service to the community and the countless families her program supported.

After both Patti and Jack passed away, Jayne and Don reconnected for their 45th high school reunion, rediscovering the bond they had shared since childhood. They married on September 1, 2002, and soon became known to their children and grandchildren as the beloved Grammy and Poppy/Grandpa.

Jaynie and Don built a life full of adventure—family activities including camping, boating, motorcycle riding, hunting, and traveling together. Jaynie loved animals, especially her beloved dogs Buster and Spunky, and she was fond of horses throughout her life.

Jaynie’s faith was the guiding force in her life, shaping her character and inspiring her compassion for others. She was deeply devoted to God and Jesus, finding comfort and strength in prayer and her spiritual community. Her unwavering belief sustained her through life’s challenges and was reflected in her kindness, generosity, and the joy she brought to those around her.

She is survived by her husband Don; her brother Glenn Selby (and his wife, Kim Selby); she is also survived by her children Shelley Longnecker Skaggs (married to Tim Skaggs) and their children Cory (married to Makenna Hazelton Skaggs and son Ryder) and Austin; Dana Longnecker Drury (married to Brett Drury) and their children Ethan (married to Miwako Ueno Drury), Trevor and Emma (engaged to Ivan Montelongo); Joelle Longnecker Walters, (married to Rodney Walters) and children Kassidy and Mitchell; and Darren Longnecker (married to Sandra Weingarten Longnecker) and their children, Tyler and Madison. She is also survived by Don’s daughter, Sandy Harper Severin (married to Mike Severin) and their children, Ben Severin (married to Ashley McAllister Severin) and their daughter, Sophie, and Jason Severin (married to Hope Mengel Severin) and their son, Isaac, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by Don’s son, James “Jimmy” Harper, and her first husband, Jack William Longnecker.

Jaynie was deeply patriotic and proud to be an American. She held strong conservative values and cherished the freedoms and responsibilities of citizenship. She was especially honored to have two grandchildren serving in the United States Army — Mitchell and Kassidy — and the future grandson-in-law, Ivan, and son-in-law, Michael Severin, a retired US Coast Guard Master Chief, whose service brought her immense pride. She loved God and the USA with conviction and gratitude.

In 2022, Jayne faced a formidable personal challenge when she was diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma. She approached this cancer diagnosis with characteristic bravery and strength, undergoing about a year of intensive treatment at City of Hope. She ultimately achieved remission, a testament to her resilience. However, the residual effects of the necessary cancer treatments left lasting impacts, including ongoing issues with her back and hips, as well as her digestive system, and likely played a significant role in the impairment of her heart, kidneys, and liver systems in the years that followed.

Jaynie’s passing followed a sudden medical decline during treatment for the flu and pneumonia. Complications affecting her heart, kidneys, and liver developed rapidly, but she was surrounded by her family with love and prayer in her final moments.

She will be remembered for her courage, compassion, musical spirit, dedication to helping others, and unwavering love for her family, inspiring appreciation for her impactful life and legacy.

Donations may be made to City of Hope - Hope Fund, in her honor - Jayne Longnecker-Harper. The recipient of the donation announcement card can be forwarded to Joelle Walters, [email protected]

Recommended hotels:

Hampton Inn San Marcos

123 E. Carmel St.

San Marcos, CA 90278

Springhill Suites by Marriott/Escondido

200 La Terraza Blvd.

Escondido, CA 92025

For additional details, or questions, please contact Shelley - [email protected].