Marcille LaNita (Reiss) Birney passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Johnson County Health and Rehab in Clarksville, Arkansas.

Born August 20, 1934, in Liberal, KS, to Helena Mildred (Fowler) and Oscar Frank Reiss, Marcille graduated from Liberal High School in 1953. That same year, she married Robert Frank Birney on February 26, 1953, in New Mexico. Together, they built a life defined by hard work and adventure.

For more than thirty years, Marcille and Robert custom harvested across the country. As they traveled from state to state, Marcille worked tirelessly cooking, cleaning, and caring for the crew. If you were hungry, she fed you. If you were tired, she pushed another plate your way. Her kitchen was the heart of the operation, and no one ever left her table without a full stomach.

Marcille loved to cook, loved to entertain, and loved having a house full of people. Dinner parties were her specialty, and she took great pride in hosting. She was happiest surrounded by friends, often gathering daily for coffee to catch up on the latest news. She was a natural storyteller, and the edgier the story, the better! Quick witted, funny, and fearless in conversation, Marcille truly never knew a stranger. She was generous and would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need.

Her love extended to animals of every kind. She cared for countless strays over the years, including the occasional raccoon, kept cats for many years, and raised Pomeranian dogs she adored. If it needed food, shelter, or love, Marcille was there.

Saturday nights often found Marcille and Robert at the Petroleum Club in Liberal, a standing date they rarely missed. Together, they also enjoyed spending winters in Rockport, TX, making memories and enjoying life side by side.

She is survived by her children, Marita Hampton of Clarksville, AR, Milan Birney of Clarksville, AR, Marc Birney and wife Rita of Sublette, KS, and Max Birney and wife Jillae of Olathe, KS; grandchildren, Carrie Jo Battles of Clarksville, AR, Jamie Battles of Clarksville, AR, Russell Hampton and companion Savanah of Clarksville, AR, Misty Hubbard and husband John of Russellville, AR, Desirae Jaso and husband David of Satanta, KS, Coty Birney and companion Laurie Meadows of Satanta, KS, Buck Birney and wife RaeLynn of Wichita, KS, Bryce Birney and wife Stephanie of Dodge City, KS, Jinae Krieshok and husband Benj of Olathe, KS, Robert Birney of Corpus Christi, TX, and Dr. Jalee Birney of Temple, TX; eleven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Marcille was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Birney, a daughter, Marla Birney, and a brother, Gerald Reiss.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Sublette United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Kyle Woodrow officiating. Interment will follow at Haskell County Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sublette Public Schools Foundation, in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com.