Lois Elaine Long, age 67, passed away on March 15, 2013 in Springfield, Mo. She was born on August 24, 1945, in Dinuba, Calif. to Clarence B. and Edith P. (Buell) Gardner. She called Mt. Vernon, Mo. her home for many years, that’s where she married Paul R. Long on December 31, 1959. Lois graduated from Mid-America Business College in 1974, then graduated from Draughn Business College in 1980, then graduated from Springfield College in 2000.
She worked as a Certified Medical Assistant and as a Professional Secretary. Lois was in the Eastern Star as Greeter, Beauceant, Willard Chapter and Red Hat Ladies. She was a Butterfly Ambassador at the Montclair Assisted Living Complex, she was also on the Dean’s List at Springfield College for Academic Excellence. She loved cross stitch and nurturing her grandchildren and volunteering at United Way.
Lois is preceded in death by her husband and both parents. She is survived by her children: Herbert B. (Mary) Long, Curtis D. (Laura) Long, Debra (Frankie) Rodriquez, Eva M. (Brett) Landes and Walter E. (Michel) Long. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Matthew Long, Jake Long, Cynthia Long, Kayla Landes, Derek Long, Christian Long, Jude Landes, Josh Long, Sean Long, Jackson Long and Jordyn Long; and three sisters: Leona Eckley, Bonnie Gardner and Dorothy Roberts; and best friend Laryl Nelson.
Graveside services will be on Saturday, March 23, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in Maple Park Cemetery with an Eastern Star service. Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home South.