Rebecca Ann (Heller) Long began her race on April 19, 1951 and crossed the finish line on May 4, 2025. She was born the youngest of four to Maurice and Willene Heller, who preceded her into eternal life, and one older half sister born to Maurice and his first wife. Her big brothers Maurice (Sonny) and his wife Faye, Jack and his wife Janet, and big sister Diane and her husband Chris all continue in their journey. Her half sister, Jean finished her race before her.

Becky was loved and cherished by her children, grandchildren, and her memory will live on in her great-grandchildren: Mark (Anna) Long and their children Katherine and Matthew (Haley) and their children Sydney and Lukas; and Dawna Street and her children Kloie and River as well her fur babies Ollie, Jasper, and Rory.

Becky’s race was run in the pouring out of her wisdom and love for children. As the founding director of the Northland Christian Church Day Care Center, she recognized her skill at communicating with young learners and pursued her teaching degree from Washburn University. After graduating, she began teaching and spent 30 years in several roles, mostly as a Kindergarten teacher at Royal Valley Elementary. While teaching, she pursued a Master’s Degree in early childhood education and obtained her degree from Emporia State University in 2000.

During the course of her race, Becky enjoyed seeing new areas of the US when she would travel, braving the open seas on a cruise, the hours-long road trips to Texas to see her son and his family, as well as every opportunity to stay in touch with children she taught as they grew into adulthood and then brought their children back to be taught in her classroom. During her life, she inspired new teachers, parents who began working with children, as well as the countless young people she encouraged and cheered for as they competed in their sports and academic endeavors.

Memorial contributions will go to her great-grandchildren for educational endeavors after completing high school.  A celebration of life will be held on July 26th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at the Sunrise Optimist Club in Topeka (just north of Seaman High School).

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