Wendee Kay (Spillner) Longland Obituary (1953 - 2023)

On Wednesday, Aug 16, 2023, Wendee Spillner Longland, cherished wife and beloved mother, passed away in her home at the age of 70. Wendee was born on March 2, 1953 in Casper, WY to Harley and Betty Flipse Spillner. Her father passed away when she was a teenager. She graduated from Federal Way High School in 1971, where she met her best friend and loving husband, Gary Longland. They raised two sons, Daniel Harley and Zach Ryan, in Covington, WA where they remained for over 50 years. She is survived by her mother as well as four siblings; brothers Daniel Spillner of Issaquah, Brent Spillner of Federal Way, Brian Spillner of Federal Way, and sister Becky Cassidy of Sammamish. In addition to her siblings, she maintained strong relationships with all of her nieces and nephews, who she cherished. Wendee treasured her family, including her precious cats, above all else. Her passion was reserved for her four granddaughters and one grandson. She loved each with unconditional love and devotion. They were often the very heartbeat that kept her going. More than eight years ago Wendee was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Multiple Myeloma. Initially the diagnosis was grim, but through Herculean strength she defied the odds for far longer than experts believed was possible. Often referred to as "the strongest lady ever known", she left us with grace and dignity, passing away in the arms of her husband.