Shirley Long

Shirley Ann Long, 88, of Springfield, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2014 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

Shirley was born October 7, 1925, the daughter of Ernest and Frances (McIlravy) Smith in Des Moines, IA.
She graduated from Knoxville High School in 1945 and married the love of her life, Louis R. Long on June 21, 1946 in Knoxville, IL. Due to Louis’ job, they lived in many different cities such as Galesburg, IL, Waukegan, IL, Ft. Wayne, IN and Beloit, WI before settling in Springfield in 1958.
In 1947, their son, Richard was born in Galesburg, IL and in 1952, their daughter, Cheryl was born in Beloit, WI.
She is survived by her son Richard (Barbara) Long of Chatham, IL, daughter Cheryl Long of Springfield, IL; two sisters, N. Joyce (Carl) Swigart of Alamo, TX and Marcialee (James) Gaskill of Monmouth, IL; several nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews and her three cats, which were very dear to her.

Shirley worked in insurance most of her life, including R.L. Lynch & Co., Roosevelt National Life Insurance Co., and Country Mutual Insurance as a claims adjuster for 17 years before retiring in 1992
.
Shirley enjoyed traveling to Florida and Hawaii, fine dining, her new home, as well as shopping. She was a member of Laurel United Methodist Church and a past member of Kings Daughters, a scout leader and a 4-H leader.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Louis Long on July 18, 1974.

Graveside Service: 12 pm, Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Oak Ridge Cemetery with Vaughn Beeman officiating.

Casual bright colored clothing is requested by the family. There will be no visitation.

Memorials are suggested to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702