Joan (Long) Wilson

Joan Wilson, born Oct. 11, 1928, passed peacefully Oct. 19, 2024, at the age of 96. Growing up in the Ash Creek area outside Ellsworth, she was the eldest of Harry and Jessie (Bailey) Long’s five children. Her life was a testament to strength, resilience and love for family.

Joan learned early the value of hard work, responsibility, compassion and play. Early to milk cows, hurry to school, play trombone in marching band, make good grades and ride ‘ol Pat to get the cows. She had fun with her younger sisters and brother, forging strong lifelong bonds.

In 1947, she married Lontie Wilson, owner/operator of Wilson Livestock Auction in Salina. They raised their family with the same care and devotion she showed her siblings. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, whose wisdom and warmth touched the lives of everyone she met.

In 1968 she got her real estate license and opened the first real estate franchise to Salina when she opened Century 21 Wilson Realty, and with over 30 agents, became a leader in the four-state region.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Jessie Long; husband Lontie Wilson; siblings Harriet (Glen) Nickels, Rachel Jane Davidson and Don (Margaret) Long; and son Larry Wilson.

She is survived by her sister Annetta (Bill deceased) Shepherd; children Lonnie (Valerie) Wilson; Bill Wilson (Denise Colborn); Jean Wilson- Baker (Bernard Baker); and Joan E. Wilson; and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a visitation/viewing at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th St., Salina, Thursday evening, Oct. 24, from 4-8 p.m., with family present from 5-7 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 308 S. Eighth St., Salina Friday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Salina.

Memorials may be designated to the Rice County Community Foundation - Hearts for Homes, 110 East Ave South, Lyons, KS 67554, or to Habitat for Humanity in care of Ryan Mortuary.

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