Marlene K Longnecker

Marlene was raised with a steady determination that showed early—she was valedictorian at Dorrance High School class of 1960—and carried that same quiet diligence into every season of life. In her early days, she worked for several years at Russell State Bank, later devoting herself to home and family as a homemaker, and then serving her community in Mulvane as a lunch lady. She also worked for several years at Valley State Bank, bringing to each role a dependable presence and a thoughtful care for others.

Marlene was married in Russell, Kansas to Rodney Whitmer from 1962–1982 . To this union were born her three children, Tammy, Allen & Rob. In 1984, she married William Longnecker and gained 5 bonus children & several grandchildren.

In the rhythms of everyday life, Marlene found joy in the things that made a home feel warm and familiar. She loved watching Westerns—especially anything with John Wayne—and Hallmark movies, especially the Christmas movies. She enjoyed the patient craft of quilting and sewing & making her own cards. She treasured traveling with Bill in the RV & going on fishing trips, embracing the simple gift of time of together. More recently, she took special pleasure in watching *The Curse of Oak Island*, certain the treasure would be found in the next episode.

Faith and fellowship were important to Marlene, and she was part of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Mulvane, Kansas.

Marlene was preceded in death by her father, William Ehrlich; mother, Ruth Ehrlich; husband, Bill Longnecker; sister, Karen Whitmer (George); her son, Allen Whitmer; her bonus daughter, Robin Dunn (Jeff); her bonus son, Scott Funderburk and grandson, Derek Longnecker.

She is survived by her sons, Rob Whitmer (Heidi), William Longnecker (Deborah), John Longnecker (Erin), and Bob Longnecker (Shelest) ; her daughters, Tammy (Brian) Rothgeb and Ann Funderburk; brothers, Randy Ehrlich (Carol) and Jim Ehrlich; 21 grandchildren, numerous great and great great grandkids.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on July 18, 2026, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.