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Geraldean Long

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[March 16, 2011]  DANVERS -- Geraldean Girdler Long, 92, died Friday, March 11, 2011, at 4:30 a.m. after a brief illness.

A combined celebration of love and life of Geraldean and Forrest E. "Bush" Long Sr. will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at the First Presbyterian Church in Danvers, with the Rev. Michael Claver officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Burial at McLean Cemetery will be followed by a dinner at the church.

Arrangements are with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home in Atlanta.

Geraldean was born on March 28, 1918, at Funks Grove. Her parents were Joseph Samuel and Lillie Maude Butler Girdler. She married Forrest E. "Bush" Long on June 29, 1935, in McLean. They were blessed with four sons, who were the center of her universe until her dying day. Her husband, "Bush" Sr., died Jan. 5, 2000, just short of their 65th wedding anniversary.

She is survived by three sons, Edward Duane (and Emilie) of Sebring, Fla., with whom she lived prior to returning to Illinois, Thomas Dean (and Sharon) of El Paso and Larry R. (and Beverly) of Cowarts, Ala.; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Turner Long of Danvers; six grandchildren, Terry and Catherine Grace Long Melick, with whom she made her home in Danvers, Christopher S. Long of Danvers, U.S. Navy Lt. Comdr. Brian Scott and Audrey Long of Port Orchard, Wash., Richard Lee and Dana Long of Turlock, Calif., James Robert and Mary Long of Slocomb, Ala., and Joe Baucom; 10 great-grandchildren, Michelle J. Melick-Brockway and Brent and Megan M. Melick Whitecotton, all of Danvers, Matthew D. and Gena Rawlins Melick of St. Louis, Mo., Jenny and Jeremy Clark of Red Oak, Iowa, Ryan of Twilla, Wash., Joshua A. Olsen of Sebring, Fla., Keelei and Corbin Long of Turlock, Calif., Hallie Brooke Long of Cowarts, Ala., and Blaine of Alabama; six great-great-grandchildren, Grace Melick-Brockway and Kaitlynn and Sierra Whitecotton, all of Danvers, and Marshall, Kaylyn and Jackson Clark, all of Iowa; special grandchild Ashley Kauffman of Danvers; a sister, Barbara Springsteen; a brother-in-law, John Long; and sisters-in-law Vivian, Eloise and Jeanette Long. "Aunt Dean" also had many nieces and nephews with whom she loved sharing time and talents.

She was also preceded in death by her eldest son, Forrest E. "Bush" Long Jr.; three sisters; and five brothers.

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She was a lifelong member of the McLean Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school classes.

Geraldean enjoyed canning jams and jellies, crocheting, quilting, sewing, and was an avid reader. Most of all, she loved time with family and friends.

"Granny" spent her final years surrounded by the loving care of her family, especially enjoying the antics of being showered with love, laughter and attention of her three great-great-granddaughters, Grace, 8, Kaitlynn, 4, and Sierra 2.

The family cannot fully express their appreciation to OSF Medical Center's staff, especially the staff on the third floor, OSF Hospice, and Dr. Joseph Liu and caring staff.

The family suggests memorials be made to OSF Eastern Region Hospice, Normal, or to the family, in care of Cathy Melick, 306 S. West St., Danvers, IL 61732.

Click here to send a note of condolence to the Long family.

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