Kim Longpine

Kimberly Kay Longpine of Girard passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025 in Arma  at Arma Health and Rehab.

Kim was born Jan. 28, 1965, in Kansas City, Mo., to Kathleen (Eitel) Ward and later adopted by her father, Gerald Ward. In 1983, she graduated from Marmaton Valley High School in Moran and attended Allen County Community College soon after. She received her bachelor’s degree in education at Pittsburg State University in 1987 and her master’s at PSU in 2011.

In 1987, she met Ralph “Frank” Longpine at PSU and they married in March 1991. Frank and Kim went on to have two children. They later divorced.

Kim was active in her bowling league when she met Andy Babcock of Chanute. They were together for 9 years before his passing in 2020.

Kim taught high school math and science in many area schools. She formed strong bonds with her students and coworkers. She loved watching her students play sports, perform music, and even coached scholar’s bowl.

One of Kim’s earliest memories was being babysat by her horse, Goldie. She grew up on a farm and participated in 4-H. Kim was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and participated in NASCAR picks with her friends in Chanute. Once she was unable to bowl, Kim used her knowledge of physics to participate in a pool league.

Kim is survived by her children James “Mitch” Longpine and Amanda (Zach) Wheeler; stepchildren Earon, Drew, and Clay Babcock, and her granddaughter, Maisie Wheeler.

Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N. Highland, Chanute.

Memorials are suggested to Altoona Midway School and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.