Mary Ellen Long, daughter of Jess and Mabel Stephens, was born on October 8, 1934, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. A lifelong resident of Adair County, Oklahoma, Mary passed peacefully from this life on October 18, 2026, at the age of 92, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a family who loved her dearly.

In July of 1953, Mary married the love of her life, Bruce Long. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around love, family, and the simple joys of being together. Their marriage was one of lasting devotion, spanning more than 55 years until Bruce's passing in December of 2008. Mary was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Westville, Oklahoma, where her faith was an important part of her life.

Above all else, Mary's greatest joy was her family. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and nothing made her happier than having everyone together. She had a heart that simply wanted everyone to get along, be happy, and enjoy one another's company. Family gatherings were especially dear to her, and her home was a place where loved ones could always count on a wonderful meal, a welcoming atmosphere, and the comfort of being together.

Mary had a special gift for making a house feel like a home. She took great pride in keeping everything neat, clean, and organized. Everything had its place, and dust certainly wasn't welcome! She also had a love for rearranging her living room furniture, often giving the room an entirely new look. Her family fondly joked that she helped keep Means Furniture in business with her frequent purchases of new pieces. There was always something to move, rearrange, or make just a little prettier.

Her love for her home extended outdoors, where she spent countless happy hours tending to her garden, plants, and flowers. Mary enjoyed watching things grow and took great satisfaction in harvesting the fruits of her labor. She was especially talented at canning the vegetables from her garden, making sure nothing went to waste and that her family could enjoy the goodness of her hard work long after the growing season had ended.

Mary was also a wonderful cook, and her family will forever treasure the memories of gathering around her table. The meals she prepared were made with love, and those familiar dishes are among the many things her family will miss most. She had a talent for sewing as well, creating beautiful quilts and sharing her skills with the generations that followed. One particularly special memory was helping her grandchildren make Halloween costumes for their own children, a reflection of the love and care she poured into everything she did.

Outside of her home, Mary enjoyed her time working at Baldor Electric, where she developed many lasting friendships. She valued the people she worked alongside and treasured the relationships she made throughout the years.

Mary will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She found happiness in life's everyday blessings: a clean and welcoming home, a beautiful flower in bloom, a garden ready for harvest, a meal shared with family, and the laughter of those she loved. Her greatest wish was never for anything extravagant, but simply that the people she cared about would be happy and love one another. The love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of her family for generations to come.

Mary leaves behind six children to cherish her memory: one daughter, Shirley Kindle, and husband Edward of Westville, Oklahoma; and five sons, Johnnie Long of Westville, Oklahoma; Bobby Long and wife Pamela of Newcastle, Oklahoma; Carl Long and wife Denae of Westville, Oklahoma; Charles Long and wife Dana of Westville, Oklahoma; and Randall Long and wife Patricia of Bunch, Oklahoma.

She is also survived by seven grandchildren: John Long and wife Mindy, Renae Blossom and husband Kevin, Kindra Drummond and husband Phillip, Jason Long and wife Jessamy, Jesse Long, Aaron Kindle and wife Rebekah, and Ashley Fink and husband Sydney; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Mary is also survived by one sister, Carolyn Igo, along with many other relatives and friends who will dearly miss her.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruce Long; one child, Pamela Long; her parents, Jess and Mabel Stephens; and three brothers, Melvin Waldron, Lavern Stephens, and Norman Stephens.

Though her place at the family table is now empty, the love Mary shared, the lessons she taught, and the memories she created will forever remain. Her family will carry her legacy forward in every meal prepared with love, every flower planted, every quilt stitched, and every moment spent together.