Willa Mae (Marx) Furlong, 91, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Lexington Park, Topeka, KS where she lived for the past 6 months.
She was born January 24, 1925, in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of William F. and Lula A. (Hicks) Marx. She graduated from Emporia High School and attended College of Emporia. She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Topeka as a draftsman. She also worked for Label Supply Company which she owned with her late husband.
Willa married William P. Furlong on September 20, 1946. He preceded her in death on October 11, 2015.
Survivors include her daughters, Judy (Bryce) Cripps of Topeka; Sue (Dave) Zimmerman of Overland Park; 4 grandchildren, Sarah Zimmerman (Thad) Dean, John Zimmerman, Blake Cripps and Alyson Cripps; 2 great-grandchildren, Shelby and Ethan Dean and her sister, Dorothy (Gene) Hynson of Topeka.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William P. Furlong, 3 sisters, Fern Garrison, Wilma Simpson and Evelyn Mitchell and her brother, Robert Marx.
Willa was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting and being outdoors tending her flowers. The neighbors could set their watches by her long morning walks. Her family always looked forward to her cinnamon rolls.
A private graveside service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Croix Hospice, 780 Oregon St., Hiawatha, KS 66434. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family.
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