Lena Long

Lena Esther Long, 96, of Decatur passed away on September 29, 2016 at Imboden Creek Living Center surrounded by family and friends. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday October 22, 2016 at 2:00 P M in Central Christian Church with the Rev. Michael Karunas officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Maroa Township Cemetery in Maroa, IL. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church prior to the service. Lena was born on September 3, 1920 in Miami, Oklahoma the daughter of Henry and Nettie Molz. She graduated from high school in Picher, Oklahoma. She married Howard E. Shaw on July 7, 1939. They had two children Elizabeth Ann and Kenneth Eugene Shaw. They were divorced and she later married Robert N. Long and they enjoyed 56 years of marriage before his death in 1993. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Bruce) Campbell of Decatur; daughter-in-law Jean Shaw of Tucson, Arizona; granddaughters Christina Flower; Lisa (Gary) Hein all of Decatur and Laurie McMillen of Tuscola, IL. She is also survived by great grandchildren Loren (Jaelayne) Jacobs, Helden Hein, Jaxon Flower, Aaron Richardson, Luke Knowles, and Megan Knowles, and great great grandson Colt Jacobs; step grandchildren Harrison Hein, Preston (Avery) Hein and Elysa (Jeremy) Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and son, Kenneth. Lena was a secretary and worked at the Illinois Bell Telephone Company and the ASC Office in Decatur. She retired from the Community Chest Organization in Tucson, Arizona. Her favorite occupation was that of homemaker and she played a very active role in the lives of both of her children. She was their confidant, encourager, advisor, and cheerleader. She held numerous positions in PTA while her children were in school. Hobbies included knitting, reading, camping and traveling. Lena will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her lessons in faith in God, love of family and friends, and persevering through difficult times will never be forgotten. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Imboden Creek Living Center and her personal caregiver Wanda Nelson for taking such wonderful and loving care of her the past few months. Suggested memorial is to Central Christian Church. "
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