Chansi Long

Chansi Long died Thursday morning November 23, 2023 in a tragic accident after being struck from behind by a train. Chansi was a dedicated mother of two young girls, Millie and Ophelia Beckley. Always up for an epic adventure with her girls, Chansi loved Disney World, getting ice cream downtown, and spending time in parks around town while her girls played. Committed to her fitness routine, she could often be found doing burpees while at a playground. Chansi found relief as a child in literature, and continued this with her own children, reading Pippi Longstocking, Charlotte's Web, or A Secret Garden to the girls for a bedtime story. Chansi had a big heart for the suffering of others, caretaking the disabled at Cottonwood, and pursuing meaningful stories for her fledgling journalist project, IMBY Out Loud. She has written for The Lawrence KS Times and LJWorld. Chansi continued to search for truth and meaning in places not commonly showcased, such as shining a light on the unhoused and those suffering with addiction in our community. She opened herself up to the world and inspired others to be the best version of themselves. She will be missed by people across all walks of life. She was a champion. Chansi leaves behind her two beloved daughters, her parents, two dear brothers, as well as many friends and extended family. From Sedan, KS, she received her B.A. from Baker University and her M.F.A. from the prestigious Iowa Writer's Workshop at the University of Iowa. A community memorial will be held on Thursday, November 30 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Union Pacific Train Depot at 402 N 2nd Street, Lawrence and a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, you can contribute to the girls education at https://gofund.me/d63f0f67 or to a cause near and dear to her heart, The Willow, Family Promise, or LINK.