Elberta Pearl 'Butter' Long

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Benton Harbor, Mich.

Elberta Long ended her journey on earth Sunday, April 20, 2008, and has entered into heaven to be with her Lord and Savior forever. Elberta was born Dec. 2, 1924, in Manila. She was the daughter of George and Clara (Haughn) Clay.

She is survived by her husband Roscoe, three children, Kay (Ken) Lehmann of Benton Harbor, Mich., Leland (Mary) Long of Westminster Col., Cody (Ginger) Long of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; and a sister Harriett (Ron) Hagen of Marion.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Calvin, a sister, Mary (Williams) and two grandchildren, Shaya Long and Rebecca Casto.

She has 7 grandchildren; Tami (Tony) Guilbault, Karin (John) Caston, RaeAnn (Brian) Mock, David (Janette) Long, Kevin (Alysia) Lehmann, Amos (Lisa) Long, Ian (Erin) Long, and 12 great grandchildren; Jakob & Evan Guilbault, Sydni and Caleb Mock, Adam, Andrew and Rachel Long, Carter and Addison Lehmann, Mikayla Long, Amelia and Emery Long.

She was known lovingly as "Aunt Butter" to many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Mrs. Long managed the St Joseph Chicken Coop and was actively involved in mentoring young people. She was a member since 1956 of the First Assembly of God church in St. Joseph, Mich., where she served in a number of capacities, including Women's Ministries and teaching Sunday School classes for many years.

She and Roscoe were married on October 26, 1942, in Manila. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage, during which time they enjoyed traveling, especially the Holy Land, their grand children and great grandchildren and their many accomplishments. They had a deep love of counseling and Bible study, of which many were privileged to share.

The funeral was held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home, St. Joseph, MIch., with Rev. Doug Hoyh officiating. A luncheon and time of fellowship and remembrance followed the service. Entombment was at North Shore Memory Gardens.

The family requests anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider the Lakeland Hospice or Lakeland Hospital Cardiac Unit.

To leave a message online log on to www.starks-menchinger.com.