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Submitted: 5/22/09 • Approved: 5/23/09 • Last Updated: 8/14/15 • R10027-G10027-S3
Birth: Jul. 17, 1876
Waco
McLennan County
Texas, USA
Death: Mar. 12, 1948
Dell Rapids
Minnehaha County
South Dakota, USA
Mrs. Berta Long Died Suddenly Last Friday Night
Mrs. Berta Long, widow of the late Rev. George Q. Long, passed away very suddenly about 11 o'clock Friday night of last week, March 12th, at her home in Dell Rapids. Word of her sudden passing came as a shock to her many friends, as she had been in her seemingly good health up until the time she was stricken. Mrs. Long occupied the first floor apartment of the Episcopal cottage. About 11 o'clock Friday night the attention of other occupants of the apartments was called by a knocking on the wall of her room. They immediately investigated, realizing that something was wrong. They found Mrs. Long to be in a serious condition and a doctor was summoned. Death came however, before medical aid arrived.
Berta Helen Thompson was born July 17, 1876, at Waco, Texas, the daughter of Smith and Ida Thompson. The family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where they resided until 1906 when they located in Iowa. She was united with the St. Paul Methodist church of Wichita at the age of 15.
She was united in marriage to Rev. George O. Long at Spencer, Ia., Aug. 23, 1923. Rev. and Mrs. Long came to Dell Rapids in March, 1929, when he was called at pastor of the local Presbyterian Church. Rev. Long passed away October 21st, 1937. Mrs. Long continued to make Dell Rapids her home, where she had a host of warm friends.
She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Clara Young, Rockport, Texas, two brothers, E.M. Thompson of Wichita, Kan., and Arthur J. Thompson of Memphis, Tenn. There are also three nieces and six nephews, and an Aunt Mrs. Flora Bisbee of Dickens, Iowa, with whom Mrs. Long made her home prior to her marriage. An uncle, Elmer Bisbee resides at Spirit Lake, Iowa.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at the Methodist Church, by the pastor Rev. B.W. Johnson, assisted by Rev. Adams, of Sioux Falls Presbyterian Church of which Mrs. Long was a member. When the Presbyterian Church was discontinued here Mrs. Long united with the Sioux Falls church, but affiliated with the local Methodist in all its work. She was one of the Sunday school teachers, and a member of other church organizations.
Mrs. Long was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star; was Past Grand Chaplain of South Dakota; was past president and past secretary of the Secretaries Association in the Grand Chapter, and had been secretary of the local chapter for many years. O.E.S committal rites were read at the graveside.
Mrs. Long was also active in other civic organizations of the city including the Dell Rapids Garden club and the Woman's club, and could always be depended upon for any assignment made to her. She was interested in flowers and birds and was a student of astronomy.
Attending the funeral service were Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Thompson, Wichita, Kan., Mrs. Flora Bisbee, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Condra of Dickens, Iowa, Mrs. Richard Pullen, of Spencer, Iowa, Mrs. Condra and Mrs. Pullen, are cousins of the deceased. Mrs. Edith Hugill of Sioux Falls, Worthy Grand Esther of the General Chapter, O.E.S., long time friend and associate of Mrs. Long, was also in attendance.
March 18, 1948
Contributed on 5/22/09 by dellsfig68
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Record #: 10027