Mary Sue Long, the oldest child of George O. and Mary Ann (Johnson) Votapka, was born on February 9, 1948, in Oberlin, Kansas. She joined her loved ones in heaven after a battle with cancer on April 8, 2023.
Sue was raised on the family farm north of Jennings where she loved caring for animals and playing in her grandmother’s and mother’s flower beds. She attended school in Jennings and graduated from High School in 1966.
Lifelong learning was important to Sue. She returned to college at age 36 and completed a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Fort Hays State University in 1987, graduating with honors. While working full-time, she continued to pursue her education and completed her master's degree in 1991.
Her career included working at a bank, as a legal secretary, harvest help at the local elevator, and devoting 29 years to education. Sue retired in 2004 after serving 17 years as the Adult Education (Outreach) Coordinator for Colby Community College. Following retirement, she served six years as the Jennings City Clerk. She was a member of the Jennings Book Club and the Jennings Tuesday Study Club.
In 1998, Sue returned to the Jennings Community to again live the wonderful country life. She renovated a century old farm home and landscaped the yard. It was her goal to be able to look out of any window and see flowers and that goal was accomplished. Her vegetable garden was shared with family and friends each year. Stray cats and dogs often found new homes at Sue’s house. After relocating to Jennings, she learned to run the tractor and grain cart and helped her family with corn and wheat harvest for many years.
Christmas was a magical time at Sue’s home. She decorated every room of her house and filled the yard with bright Christmas décor. Sue also made Victorian Christmas Stockings to give to family and friends including the angel tree children sponsored by Tuesday Study Club.
Her daughter and granddaughter were the pride of her life. She is survived by daughter Lori Schiefen and granddaughter Katlyn Schiefen of Overland Park, Kansas. Other survivors include her brother Tom (Terri Hanke) Votapka and her sister Jean Lee (Rollie) Halligan and her adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved rescue dog Lady Jane.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George O. and Mary Votapka, her sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Rex Rowh, and her grandparents, Frank and Leoba Votapka and Otto and Gladys Johnson.
Cremation was chosen. Sue will be buried in the Jennings Cemetery close to other family and with one of her beloved dogs, Wally. Services will be held over Memorial Day weekend.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Jennings Czech Museum, the Jennings City Library, or the Jennings United Methodist Church. Condolences can be left at www.paulsfh.com.