Kay was born in Madrid, Nebraska and until the age of 10 lived on a ranch with no electricity. The family settled in Wauneta, Nebraska. Kay attended boarding school from the age of 14 at St. Patrick's Academy in Sidney, NE which she had very fond memories of. After graduation in 1953, she moved to Denver where she went to a secretarial school. In 1955, Kay married Colorado native, Ralph Long. They lived in Denver and Lakewood and had 5 children and 4 grandchildren. They were long time members of the Lakewood Country Club and enjoyed travelling and spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Kay enjoyed needlework, playing cards, home interiors, and held numerous volunteer positions in the Denver area and with the Catholic Church. She had a great love of children.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Long of Denver and her children Patrick, Shannon, Mary (Neil) Birnie and Timothy, 4 grandchildren and her sister, Carol Kobel.

She was preceded in death by her son, Brien Long and 2 sisters.