Ruby Long

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ruby J. Long age 91, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away peacefully June 17th at the Communities of Wildwood Ranch.

Ruby was born to Albert and Hattie Mitchell and remained a lifelong resident of Joplin. She was one of eight children and grew up surrounded by her five brothers and two sisters.

On July 24, 1954, Ruby married Fred R. Long, also in Joplin. Together they raised two children and worked hard and had fun. They enjoyed many summers camping with friends.

Ruby worked for many years at Empire District Electric Company, beginning her career as a mail carrier and finishing it in Accounts Receivable. She enjoyed her job and her many co-workers throughout her career.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Long; her parents; five brothers—Earl, Ray, Harold, Sam, and Jim Mitchell; and one sister, Louise Mitchell.

She is survived by her son, Kelly (Lynda Devine) Long of Joplin; her daughter, Karen L. (Richard) Sapp of Joplin; and her sister, Charlene Sparks and Ralph, also of Joplin. Grandchildren Jared (Mary) Sapp, Ft. Worth TX, Caitlin (Kade Schemahorn) Sapp, Chapel Hill, NC, Chris (Courtney) Devine of Plano, TX, Andy (Adrienne) Devine of Carl Junction, MO, and Jenny (Sean) Glinka of Aubry, TX. Great Grandchildren Easton Sapp, Everett Sapp, and Hudson Sapp of Ft. Worth TX, and Gavin DeFazio-Devine OF Chanute, KS, Iris and Lilly Devine OF Carl Junction, MO, and Charles Glinka OF Aubry, TX.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, at Mason-Woodard Chapel, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

A special thank you to Ruby’s caregivers who contributed greatly to her quality of life in later years, Pat Fry, Heather Finney, Sherene Parra and Megan Mattox.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society in care of the mortuary.