Vera Long

Date of Birth

Mar 22,1924

Date of Death

Oct 18,2009

VERA ARLENE LONG,age 85, of Saint Charles , IL , formerly of Yorkville, Kaneville, and rural Elburn , IL , passed away on October 18, 2009, at her daughter’s home in Saint Charles . BORN: She was born March 22, 1924, the daughter of Herman A. and Alma L. (Merkel) Henne in Aurora , IL . EARLY YEARS:Vera grew up with her parents and brother Arnold on farms in Batavia , Yorkville, Sugar Grove and Kaneville , IL . EDUCATION: Upon graduation from Kaneville High School , Vera worked in Aurora until she was united in marriage to her one true love, Harold LeRoy Long on May 12, 1945. They made their home on a farm near Kaneville. Tragedy struck in 1956 when Harold died in an accident. She continued to raise her family on the farm. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Vera began working in 1961 as a secretary in the administrative offices of the Kaneland School District and retired in August of 1990. She moved to Yorkville in December of 1992. MEMBERSHIPS: Vera’s faith was her foundation. She was a lifetime member of at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Yorkville where she was baptized April 20, 1924 and confirmed March 21, 1937. She served on the Altar Guild, was a member of the WELCA Ruth Circle , and was active on several committees within the church for many years. LIFE NOTES: Vera was a strong woman. Her strength came through in her faith, family and love. Her work ethic and organization were second to none. She led by example, letting her actions speak volumes. When she did speak, she was honest and spoke with conviction. Though she was tough, she was unfailingly fair. Vera never spoke a harsh word to anyone and was always willing to help a friend in need, but never felt comfortable asking for help in any situation. She loved all of God’s creation, spending as much time in her garden as possible. Her garden was as big as it was plentiful, overflowing with every kind of vegetable and flower. The one thing it never contained was a weed. Her strawberry, raspberry and rhubarb patches, and her grape vines, yielded jams and pies that were enjoyed by all. Her favorite animals were cats, who loved her back, and birds, who enjoyed her bird feeders. When indoors, Vera’s hands never slowed down, creating afghans, quilts, Christmas decorations, and flower arrangements. Family and friends were blessed to receive a Christmas angel and bells crocheted with the utmost love and care. Along with her faith, family was the most important thing in her life. When her children were young, Vera could always be found supporting many of their school activities. From many sports to theater and the arts, Vera was there to cheer them on. Over the years as her family grew, the line between in-laws, friends, and family was nonexistent; all were welcomed as family with open arms and an open heart without a moment’s hesitation. She was very proud of each of her grandchildren. She also loved to travel, the seeds of which were planted by family trips to Iowa , Wisconsin , and Michigan to see family, friends, and God’s creation. In later years, she carefully selected and planned for trips sponsored by Waubonsee to dinner theaters, shopping and sightseeing, often with her sister-in-law Lois Long by her side. Vera also travelled to many of the fifty states – Iowa, Texas, California, Florida, Georgia and many in between – visiting her children and grandchildren wherever they called home. Even though health concerns caused her to move to her daughter’s home and eventually give up many of her hobbies, her sharp mind and determination never ceased to convey her love and devotion to her family, her friends, her God, and His creation. SURVIVORS: She now leaves four children: Douglas (Jean) Long of Galesburg , IL , Rebecca Aldrich of St. Charles , IL , Gerald ((Diane) Long of Kaneville , IL , and Gary (Linda) Long of Elburn , IL ; Seven grandchildren: Capt. Jeffrey Long of Cannon Air Force Base, NM, David Long of Galesburg , IL , Elizabeth Aldrich of St. Charles , IL , Katherine Aldrich of St. Charles , IL , Brett Long of Kaneville , IL , Ashley Long of Kaneville , IL , and Travis Long of Elburn; Many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends. PRECEDED:She now joins her husband Harold, her parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, an infant son David, and a brother Arnold Henne who preceded her in death. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. , Elburn , IL . A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Yorkville at 11 a.m., Thursday, October 22, 2009. The Reverend Dorothy Wilcox, pastor of the church, will officiate and interment will follow at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery , Yorkville , IL . MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in her name to benefit Immanuel Lutheran Church of Yorkville, IL. Checks may be made to the "Vera Long Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66 , Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. , Elburn , IL . A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Yorkville at 11 a.m., Thursday, October 22, 2009. The Reverend Dorothy Wilcox, pastor of the church, will officiate.

Interment will follow at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery , Yorkville , IL .

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