Ruby Irene Long was born to Elmer Edwin and Lettie Viola (Eggleston) Berkgren on October 16, 1927 in Oakley, Kansas. She graduated from Oakley High School in 1945 and went on the study at Colorado Springs Bible School where she graduated with a Bachelor of Theology in 1949.
Ruby was united in marriage to Richard Eugene Long on August 15, 1947. She served the Wesleyan Church for 54 years as a pastor, missionary, teacher and on various boards and leadership positions. Ruby served in many locations including; Colorado Springs, CO, Wichita, KS, Lewellen, NE, and twelve years in Swaziland and Zambia, Africa. She also served in Oshkosh, NE, Venus, NE, and Gordon, NE.
In 2000, Ruby made Imperial her home, and soon after became very active in the Crossroads Wesleyan Church. She served the church as a Sunday school teacher, Bible study leader. Ruby also had time to volunteer in reading at the Chase County Grade School.
In addition to her service to the church, Ruby enjoyed reading, sewing, handcrafts and writing. She was an avid gardener, taking special care of her roses and she always enjoyed sharing a cup of coffee with people at the local coffee shop.
Ruby passed away Saturday morning, August 20, 2016 at the Imperial Manor Nursing Home. She was 88 years of age.
She was preceded in death by two infant children, Barbara Jo and Douglas Eugene. Her husband, Richard Eugene Long; her father and mother; 3 brothers, 2 sisters, and four great-grandchildren: Ava, Silas, Micah and Titus.
Survivors include:
Son, Elmer Long and wife Nancy of Amarillo, TX
Daughter, Sue Budensiek and husband Richard of Greeley, CO
Daughter, Sherryn Regier and husband, Keith of Imperial, NE
Brother, Gerald Berkgren of Oakley, KS
Sister, Lois Ware and husband, Howard of Brookings, OR
Sister, Wauneta Kanton of Fresno, CA
Grandchildren: Mikel Winemiller, Lisa Persons, Dale and Bryon Budensiek, Tiffany Friehe, Daniel Regier, Eric, Kent and Jason Walterscheid, Kristen Will, Melissa Pilkenton, Nikki Maynard, and Ashley Cooper; great-grandchildren: Mikel and Charlotte Winemiller, Andrew, Anna, Noah, Kai and Anders Budensiek, Daniel Persons, Madison, Morgan, Brooke, Megan, Macy, Bailey, and Rush Walterscheid, Keeleigh, Lauren, and Caleb Will, Lewis and Tyler Pilkenton, Daisy, Hunter, Fisher, and Ivy Maynard and Lukas and Sofia Cooper.
Funeral services for Ruby Long will be Saturday morning, August 27, 2016, 10:00 A.M. (MDT) at Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial, Nebraska with Pastors Phil Harris, Gerald Kahre and Dale Budensiek officiating.
Graveside services will be Saturday afternoon, August 27, 2016, 3:00 P.M. (MDT) at Oshkosh Cemetery in Oshkosh, Nebraska.
Visitation will be Friday afternoon, August 26, 2016, 2:00-6:00 P.M. (MDT) at the funeral home in Imperial. The family will be present from 4:00-6:00 P.M. to greet friends and relatives.
A memorial has been established to the Wesleyan Global Partners.
Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
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