Wanda Lois Long, 95, of Willard, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025. She was born on October 20, 1929, to Lester and Lala Owens in Kettleman City, California.

Wanda moved to Mansfield, Missouri, in junior high and graduated as the Salutatorian of her high school class. It was at the Doling Park Skating Rink that she met the love of her life, Roy “Ed” Long Jr. After only four weeks of dating, they married on April 1, 1950. Their marriage spanned 42 years until Ed’s passing, and together they built a beautiful life grounded in love, faith, and family.

In 1957, Wanda and Ed moved to Willard, Missouri, where they built their own home and raised their children. Wanda was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Willard for over 50 years, dedicating herself to her church and community.

She attended Business College in Springfield, Missouri, and served as the Superintendent’s Secretary for the Willard School District for 30 years, where she was known for her diligence, kindness, and dependability.

After Ed’s death, Wanda courageously learned to drive in her 60s and proudly gained the independence to travel into Springfield on her own. She loved to travel, especially vacations to Hawaii and peaceful escapes to cabins at Table Rock Lake.

Wanda was a talented seamstress who lovingly sewed clothes for her children and poured her heart into her home. She was the heart of her family—a devoted grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who made sure everyone was fed a hot meal before they left her home.

Her legacy is one of quiet strength, gentle care, and steadfast love. She touched the lives of all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

Wanda is survived by her children Linda White ,Connie Murray, and Eddie Long, grandchildren Wendy Gouty (Trent), and Lea Ann Criswell (George), great-grandchildren Cheyann Renshaw (Josh), Canyon Howell (Tyler), Kyah Schumaker, Trey Schumaker, Taylor Criswell, and Ahlea Criswell, great-great grandchildren Braylie Renshaw, Jackson Renshaw and Grayson Howell, sister Bernice Cravens, brother-in-law Troy Brooks, sisters-in-law Jo Ann Grantham and Linda Minor as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Wanda is preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, son Timothy Long, granddaughter Marti Schumaker, infant great-great-granddaughter Olivia Renshaw, sister Julia Brooks, brother Gerald Owens, brothers-in-law Roy Lee Grantham and Don Cravens and son-in-law Floyd Murray.

A grave side service will be held at Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Willard Mo on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 2:00 pm.