Tracy Gobber Longmire Obituary

Tracy Lynn Gobber Longmire was born in Frankfort, Kentucky. She attended Capitol Day School and Franklin County High School. As a student, she was involved in tennis and photography and was active in her church youth group. Upon graduation, Tracy attended the University of Kentucky, completing a degree in Sociology and living at the Wesley Foundation, a Methodist dorm near the university.

During her college years, she began a series of summer internships at churches in Washington. She and Shane met during her internship with CUP church in Richland while attending Camp Ghormley near White Pass. They continued to work together at churches during their summers while each returned to their respective universities during the academic year. Shane and Tracy were married on June 12, 1993, at Frankfort United Methodist Church and settled in Ashland, KY. They later moved to Washington, where Tracy began her career in education, working with elementary school students as a paraprofessional. She then attended Walla Walla College to complete a certification program and earn her teaching license.

Tracy continued to teach as a kindergarten teacher and later returned to her work as a paraprofessional, working with students who needed extra assistance to succeed in school until a breast cancer diagnosis ended her teaching career in 2014. This was the catalyst that allowed her to develop Longmire Ranch, a non-profit equine-assisted learning facility based out of her home ranch property. Tracy thrived in this environment, touching innumerable lives as she provided individual riding lessons with a focus on providing access to horses to those who might not otherwise be able to participate in riding activities.

Tracy was also active in her children’s activities, becoming a 4H leader to facilitate their passion for horses and faithfully attending sporting events, concerts, and other school events. Her love for her daughters was always a driving force in her life, and she was committed to creating a positive and warm home from which they could launch to pursue their passions and dreams.

Tracy is survived by her husband, Shane, and daughters, Gabrielle (Nick) Johnson and Bekah (Aren) Blackwood. She also leaves her parents, Richard and Ruby Gobber; mother-in-law, Sharon Longmire; and numerous relatives in Washington, Kentucky, Missouri, and elsewhere.

Tracy’s cancer returned in the Spring of 2024, and while she actively pursued treatment, she spent the last year of her life honing a legacy of love and compassion that will continue to impact the world in powerful and wonderful ways.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home. Concluding services will be held at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club or Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.