Jo Ellen Long

Jo Ellen Long, 78, died at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville, on Dec. 21, 2003. She was born in Athol, S. Dakota on May 10, 1925 to Joseph and Eva Anna (Beavers) Tieman.

Jo Ellen resided in South Dakota until her early teens and then moved to Bellingham, WA with her family. She graduated from Bellingham High School with the class of 1943. She continued to reside in Bellingham until her marriage to Paul “Gunner” Long in March of 1950. During the first several years of her marriage she moved with her husband to several locations to follow his naval career. In 1957 they made Oak Harbor their permanent residence.

From the time she made Oak Harbor her permanent home she also made the Oak Harbor First United Church her church home. Over the years she has been an active member of her church and was also a member of the Retired Officers Wives’ Association.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Jo Ellen sold Avon products from the mid 1960s to the late 1970s.

Mrs. Long is survived by her son, Jay Paul Long and his wife, Suzie of Oak Harbor; one daughter, Terri Ann Langford and her husband, John Den Langford, Jr. of California, Maryland; and by two grandchildren, John Den Langford, III and Daniel Paul Langford. She is also survived by one sister, Bonita Waters of Bellingham. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Long was preceded in death by her husband, Paul “Gunner” Long on April 20, 1979 and by four brothers and by three sisters.

Memorial services were held Saturday, Dec. 27 at 1 p.m. at the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Lura officiating. A family graveside service preceded at Maple Leaf Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Remembrances may be made to the Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.