Michele Longabaugh
January 31, 1963 ~ June 10, 2020
Michele Longabaugh
57, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away June 10, 2020. Visitation, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 14, at Downing & Lahey Mortuary West. Funeral Service, 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 15, at Ascension Lutheran Church. Please practice social distancing, limit contact with others, refrain from hugging, and masks are encouraged when attending the visitation or funeral service. Michele was born in Binghamton, New York, on January 31, 1963, to Richard and Gene Coston. She graduated from Johnson City High School. Michele became a Registered Nurse and worked at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. She most recently worked as a Medical Device Sales Representative with CPI, Guidant, Boston Scientific. Michele was diagnosed with stage IV anal cancer in February of 2010. She was a published author, blogger and board member of a number of organizations, including being a patient advocate on MD Anderson’s HPV-SPORE committee, PIVOT, the NCI Rectal Anal Task Force, SQZ Biotechnologies and for the CRUK OPTIMISTICC Grand Challenge. Michele was passionate about the patient survival experience, particularly minimizing the long-term side effects following treatment. She was an active member of the Peer to Peer program with the HPV & Anal Cancer Foundation supporting other patients confronted with anal cancer. Her survivors include: her parents; husband, Jerry Longabaugh; kids, CJ Longabaugh, AJ Longabaugh and Maggie Hull; siblings, Renee (Mike) Ciancio and Matt Coston; granddaughters, Willa and Lauretta Hull. Memorial established with Goddard Education Foundation, 201 S. Main, Goddard, KS 67052 or online at www.goddardef.org
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Jerry – our love and prayers are with you and your family. Larry and Lisa Becker
My view on life changed when I met Michele. Her heart and passion shined through no matter her circumstances. She always had hope and humor and a determination to help others. I just love her and will miss having my friend’s energy in this world.
I will miss you my dear friend and soul sister , you were such an amazing human being who I admired and you inspired thru your life so many people , me for one . We had so much in common even shared being cancer patients . I will always have you in my heart . I know you are very close to our Lord . You have left a beautiful legacy to your family , we will meet again and have a margarita together . Love you my dear friend 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️❤️🌹
I am so sorry. Michele was a very special person and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with all. We have walked this walk and it isn’t an easy thing. Hugs… Darla Hughes and family
Jerry McKenzie and I send our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Sending many prayers for all of you. 🙏🙏
So sorry to hear of Michele’s death. I was the OR director at SWMC and got to know hew through Dr Evans. I’ve followed her journey and prayed for throughout the years. She will be missed.
We were so sorry to hear about Michele’s passing. We will keep all the family in our prayers. Carrie and Paul Taylor and kids
Two years ago, I had the honor of addressing the students of Goddard Middle School in Goddard, Kansas. Later that evening, my host Jerry Longabaugh and his wife Michele met me at my hotel and we went out for a dinner that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Though Jerry’s colleagues had told me earlier in the day that I was going to meet one of the most incredible human beings that I would ever encounter, it wasn’t until I got into the car and Michele’s eyes met mine with a piercing smile and a hello that communicated from her heart to mine that, “This moment matters to me — and we’re going to have a beautiful evening.” (The first shocker was that she was from Johnson City, NY — formerly Michele Coston) Michele was a nurse who had been battling anal cancer for six years. “You heard me right,” she would say. “I’ve got anal cancer and it’s going to be a long night if you’re not good with that!” And oh my God how we laughed. Michele spoke so openly and with such humor about her mortality and her fight — and she authored an inspiring book about her journey entitled, “If You’re Not Laughing, You’re Dying —The Dawning of Hope from the Shadows of Darkness.” She has been an active contributor to my FB threads as recently as this past week, so I was devastated to learn today of her passing at fifty-seven. We need more Micheles in this world — she was the warmest of souls and a beautiful light. John Perricone
Michele coming all the way from New York to meet the love of your life, Jerry. You will be missed by your family and friends. You were one tough woman that we all admired. Rest in Peace.
Michele was always smiling and so energetic. She taught my LPN students about pacemakers at McPherson. She and Marie were the cardiac dynamic duo!
I am so sorry to hear this. Michele was a breath of fresh air and I truly enjoyed working with her.
So sad to hear this news. Michelle was a wonderful woman. While her family does not know me, I remember Michelle from our youth in JC. Her career and life path seem to have utilized her best qualities. She was a fervent angel for those in need and will be missed. Sincere sympathy to her family. Christine (Stanbro) Madden
I served with Michele while a member of the oncology patient advisory group at Via Christi St. Francis. She was a vigorous and passionate advocate for cancer patients. My condolences to her family as we bless her on the next phase of her journey. Michael Sheets
Mr. Longabaugh, I am so sorry to hear about Michele. I went to Watermark years ago to hear her speak about her book. She was impressive & had left quite a legacy.
Rest in peace Michele. I didn’t know you personally, but I am an anal cancer survivor myself. You touched a lot of lives with your posts and support.
Coach and family, I am so saddened to see this. Please know that we are with you in prayer and we are so sorry we can not be there with you to celebrate Michele’s life, her loves and the amazing battle she fought. Love to you all — Dana Pair-Compton, Donna Pair, John Pair and Family
Jerry and Family: We are so sorry to hear of Michele’s passing. What a inspirational gal that truly made a difference in this world. Dianne, Mark, AJ and Laura Kellison
Michele was a dear friend of mine from high school. I will cherish all of my good times we had. God bless this wonderful soul. May she Rest In Peace. Love you Michele. Lyn(Wasley) Skiba, Endicott,NY
My heart is heavy for you and yours, Jerry, CJ and AJ Longabaugh. Michele was a champion role model and amazing woman of strength, kindness and love. She will be missed but will still be always there in your hearts. Smile when you hear her in your thoughts and hear her voice in your voice and feel her in your hearts. God bless and hold you close.
I did not know Michele personally, but am diagnosed with CRC and realize how it can impact a family. My thoughts and prayers are with Michele’s family and loved ones as they complete this final journey. My heavy heart goes out to each of you and I am so very sorry for your loss! Please know #weareallinthistogether and that Michele’s life has touched many more people then you will ever know.
Michele has been a great friend for nearly 20 years. She is kind. She is passionate about life and making good choices. She taught me so many personal and clinical teachings. Too many to list. Above all she is a believer of God and his grace. She is a great example of humanity and kindness to all of Gods children. I love her. I always have appreciated that she became a part of my life. She made me better. May God bless her family. Her kids, husband and grandchildren are blessed to have her. I have thought of her kindness constantly. I speak of her often as I remind people how to teach and mentor others. She was so patient with me – a caveman – at learning tough information. What a professional. What a person.
Although I did not know Michele personally, I felt like I did from reading her blogs on her cancer journey. As an anal cancer survivor myself, I admired her courage and strength. I was so saddened by her passing, as were all her Blog for a Cure friends.
Jerry and family, we are very saddened to learn of Michele’s passing. God’s blessings to you all. Britt and Colleen Pate
Jerry and family, Wishing you peace as you remember and mourn your loss. We have been thinking of you with warmth. Hugs from Ron, Young, Sherlyn at Brownies
Jerry & family, We are so very sorry for your loss . You are in our prayers at this difficult time. May iMichele Rest In Peace. Darrell & Laurie Stroda
Since we first met Michele in 1987….she has been a source of family, friendship, fun, growing, spirit and strength. We are going to miss her so very much. Our hearts just ache. Craig and Glenda Broadbent and Family
A truly great person who did many great things. You made such an impact on others with your spirit and love. Rest in peace sweet Michele.
Our hearts, thoughts, prayers are with you
I have known Michelle as a fellow nurse and friend. She was such a fighter and instilled such strength and optimism in others. I loved talking to her. She was an inspiration and loved her family so much. My deepest sympathy. She was a wonderful nurse, friend and always had you her family first and foremost in her thoughts. She will be missed! Missy Hampel
This is just devastating news, will so miss her and her words of wisdom shared on blogforacure. Thoughts and prayers to her family and many friends
I remember Michelle from St Francis. I’m so sorry to hear this news. She was a lovely person and always smiling. My heart goes out to her family.
You don’t know me. I am one of Michelle’s virtual friends on the Blog For A Cure site. I am now nine years post cancer but when I first joined the site Michelle was one of many who gave me so much unconditional help & support & has continued to do so over the years. I am completely devastated & shocked to hear the news. My heart & love go to you all at this very sad time Annabelle
For the family of Michelle Longabaugh: I saw Michelle’s name and picture on the tribute list of lost colleagues at Ascension this week and though I have never personally met Michelle, I remembered her from a story that ran in the Via Christi Life Magazine several years ago. I just wanted you to know how inspiring Michelle was with her tenacity, bravery, humor and willingness to share her story. She touched so many and will remain in our hearts and memory for the wonderful, kind and generous person that reached out from her difficult illness to help others.
Michele was an inspiration to me. I was so deeply saddened to hear the news of her passing.