Loraine Long

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Grace “Loraine” Long, age 89 of Joplin, MO., passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Loraine was born on July 17, 1931 to Leon & Leona Bixler in Anderson, IN. She was the 4th of 12 children. Loraine graduated from White Rock High School in Jane, MO. in 1951. 

Loraine married Albert Long on May 20, 1951. She worked as an elementary school secretary while her daughters were young. Later, she worked in the medical records department at St. John’s Hospital before retiring in 1990. 

She enjoyed sewing, making all of her daughters’ clothes when they were young. Gardening, canning, beautiful flowerbeds. After retirement, she and Al spent many years RV-ing around the country, including Alaska. Loraine was a long-time member of Park Plaza Christian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers; Leroy, Lyle and Russell, and two sisters; Evelyn Cook and Louise Shahan.

Survivors include her husband; Albert Long, three daughters; Lynda Hoover (Bill), Anita Brown (Bert), and Phyllis Mestas (Bobby), six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, five brothers; Bob Bixler, Marvin Bixler, Dale Bixler, Cecil Bixler, Donald Bixler, and one sister; Doris Bixler.

Graveside services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 30, 2021 at Union Cemetery near Stella, MO.



Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.