Clara Long

Clara Long - 105 7/12/1905 - 1/8/2011

Hudsonville, MI - Clara Long, age 105 of Hudsonville, MI went home to be with her Lord on January 8, 2011. Clara was born on July 12, 1905 and raised in Kingsley IA. She graduated from Mt. Morris College in Mt. Morris IL in 1929, with a Bachelors in Home Economics and Physical Education. She taught school in Anniston, AL for one year before marrying Ernest Willoughby Long on August 20th, 1930. They lived on the Long Family Farm in Leaf River, IL. Clara and Willoughby were known for their hospitality and for their hard work on the farm as well as in their local church. They were charter members of the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris, IL. At age 95 she moved to Hudsonville, MI to live with her daughter Carolyn. There she attended Jenison Bible Church. Clara was often caught reading her Bible and spending time in prayer. She will be remembered for her faithfulness in serving the Lord. She was a strong woman with great perseverance and determination. She really enjoyed her great-grandchildren and attended all of their activities. She loved each moment as it was happening. Clara was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, E. Willoughby Long, son Eugene W. Long, daughter-in-law Jewel Long, and great grandson Dylan Jon Bengston, sisters Velma, Mae, Anna, Ora, and brother Albert. She is survived by her daughter Carolyn Bengston, of Hudsonville, MI, five grand children - Sharon (David) Hopkins of Katy, TX, Mark (Joyce) Long of Leaf River, IL, Sue (Bob) Manuel of Grand Rapids MI, Becky (Kurt) Kornoelje of Jenison MI, and Dave (Joanne) Bengston of Hudsonville MI, and 14 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the Evangelical Free Church in Mt. Morris, IL. Friends may meet with the family prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris. Visitation: Saturday, January 15, 2011 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Evangelical Free Church Service: Saturday, January 15, 2011 11:00 a.m. Evangelical Free Church