Joyce Marie (Long) Cain, 85, passed away peacefully January 23, in Lakewood, Colo.
Born October 27, 1940, in Liberal, Kan., Joyce was the daughter of Martin M. Long and Rosetta (Richardson) Long and grew up as a farmer’s daughter in southwestern Kansas.
She graduated from Syracuse High School, later attending Fort Hays State University and Colorado Women’s College. The values instilled during her early years—hard work, independence, perseverance, and compassion—remained with her throughout her life.
Joyce began her professional career as a teacher of typing, shorthand, and business at Grant County Rural High School in Ulysses.
Her attention to detail and the art of correspondence led her into a long and successful career as a professional and legal secretary, and later as an administrator with the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Organized, dependable, and driven to be the best, Joyce earned the respect of colleagues wherever she worked. Never content to rest, she created multiple businesses and became an author.
Joyce was an early adopter of personal computers and quickly put technology to work in her business ventures. She embraced digital publishing and collaborated with several authors over the years, contributing her creativity and technical skills to their projects. As a gifted baker, she operated Home Again Bakery out of her home. She was especially known for her beloved Kansas Cake, giant cinnamon rolls, soft cookies as big as your hand—a true novelty in the 1980s—and her much-loved peach pie.
Joyce’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She found Christ at a young age and lived out her beliefs with quiet strength, thoughtful conviction, and a deep love of scripture. Joyce especially enjoyed a good biblical debate and welcomed meaningful conversations that deepened her spiritual understanding. For many years, she was a devoted member of Lakewood United Methodist Church, where she formed lasting friendships and was known for her courage, generosity, and steady presence.
Joyce’s caring nature extended well beyond her family. She was a passionate advocate for Multiple Sclerosis research and participated in fundraising efforts, including riding in the Colorado MS 150 - Ride for the Cure. Dedicated to helping others live more independent lives, she spent years training service animals as a volunteer with Freedom Service Dogs.
Joyce is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Laura Cain Wilkins, and her husband, Timothy Wilkins, of Lakewood, Colorado; her son, Robert Summers, and his wife, Kathryn Summers, of New Caney, Texas; her stepson, Denny Cain, of Texas; and her grandchildren: Teresa Whearty and husband Logan Whearty (Jaidynn, Trysten, and Westyn) of Randolph, Kansas; Jessica Wilkins (Riley, Jet, and Lux Cook) of Marysville, Kansas; Trenton Summers and Jenny Summers (Allison and Ben) of The Woodlands, Texas; Katie Royce and Bradley Royce (Ronen) of Cleveland, Texas; Daniel Summers and Jillian Summers (Duncan, Emmett, and Dean) of New Caney, Texas; Annabel Summers of Houston, Texas; and Abigail Summers of New Caney, Texas. She is also survived by her chosen family, Brenda Mueller and Kenny Cates, of Arvada, Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her former husband, David Lee Cain; her parents, Martin M. Long and Rosetta (Richardson) Long; and her brother, Richard M. Long.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the love, respect, kindness, and care Joyce received throughout her journey. Caregivers, nurses, hospice workers, administrators, and kitchen staff all played a meaningful role in supporting her through many years of long-term care. Your compassion, dedication, and steady presence made a profound difference, and the family is deeply grateful to each and every one of you.
Joyce will be honored in a private gathering with her immediate family at a later date.
May her memory bring a smile to those who knew her, and may that memory continue to inspire all who follow her example.
“We’ll be listening for you in the wind.”
