Lois Long

Lois Long, age 93 of Rock Rapids, IA died Monday, August 31, 2009 at Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA. Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Friday, September 4th at Christian Church (Disciples) in Rock Rapids, with Rev. Carolyn Salberg officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 3rd from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids. Lois Fahn Long was born September 24, 1915 at Flandreau, S.D. to Herbert and Helen (Akkerman) Jones. She and her family lived in Canby, MN for a few years and then moved to Rock Rapids where she was raised and attended Rock Rapids schools and graduated from Wilson High School in1934. As a young person Lois helped her father in his hatchery business. On June 30, 1935 Lois married Shannon Long. The couple lived in Rock Rapids until 1952 when she and Shannon moved to Lakewood Corner and operated the gas station and grocery store they had built there. For several years Lois cleaned and answered phones for the Roste Funeral Home in Rock Rapids. She was an Avon representative for 50 years and also sold Watkins products. She will be remembered by her family as a loving and caring person who had a heart of gold. Lois cherished the time spent with her family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember her as being strong, independent and determined. She once called her son and after chatting with him for a moment and asking him how he was, mentioned she was in a pickle, and had fallen and broken her leg. She never wanted to be an imposition to others and would often tell her family, You guys are too good to me . The coffee was always on and everyone was always welcome at her house. Her home was a special place not only to her but to her family and friends. She enjoyed hosting guests and watching the neighborhood squirrels and birds from her window. Lois also had a wonderful green thumb. Her houseplants and flowers were always very beautiful and healthy. Lois was a member of the Christian Church (Disciples) in Rock Rapids as well as a member of the Rebecca Lodge. She passed away this past Monday at the Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids at the age of 93. She will be greatly missed. Lois is survived by her three sons and their families, Larry (Margaret) Long, Dennis (Shirley) Long and Rick (Pat) Long all of Rock Rapids, IA; six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren; and other extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 36 years; and two granddaughters Shane and Rebecca.