Ruby Long

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Ruby Carol Long (Johnson) passed peacefully to rest at home in Eliot, Maine on April 23, 2024, at the age of 90. Ruby was born the eldest daughter of Porter and Pauline (Alexander) Johnson on May 30, 1933 in Joplin, Missouri. 

She is preceded in death by both parents, her husband, William Jessie (Jess) Long, and her three sisters, Mary Lou Gouge, Sue Taylor and Nancy Hirshey, along with many other family members and close friends. She has gone to be with them and what a joyous reunion that must be.

Ruby is survived by one sibling, Donald Johnson, and one sister-in-law, Dorcelene Long. Ruby’s children and their families survive her and mourn her loss; William Kent Long and wife, Kristy, Melissa Preteroti and husband, Peter, grandchildren; Geoffrey Haynes and wife, Chelsea, Dylan Long and wife, Lauren, Zane Long, and Basil Preteroti, step-grandchildren; Craig Thompson and wife, Charla Patterson, three great grandchildren; Karson, Lyla and Myah Haynes, nine step-great grandchildren and three step-great great grandchildren. In addition to her immediate family, Ruby is survived by so many whose lives she touched including cousins, nieces, nephews, other assorted family and many caring friends. Her door and her heart were always open if anyone needed to talk or needed support in any way. She will be missed dearly.

Ruby married Jess, her high school sweetheart, on November 7, 1952 and they were blessed to celebrate their 64th year of marriage in their home in Duenweg, Missouri, where they had both graduated from high school. Ruby worked as financial manager for Covey & Poe Body Shop in Joplin, Missouri since just after it opened in 1966. In 1982, she and Jess purchased the business and it is still family owned and operated today. Ruby was blessed with a full life and strong community. She was an avid bowler and enjoyed scrapbooking photos of her family and friends.







A member of the Church of Christ, Ruby lived her life in faith and family. She was from a family of strong women who supported one another throughout their lives. Family was very important and played a big role in Ruby’s life. She was brought up on, and raised her children on, Sunday dinner every week for approximately 30 immediate family members. The joy and laughter of a large family gathering never failed to warm her heart.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 10:00 am at Mason Woodard Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri. Graveside interment at Ozark Memorial Cemetery will immediately follow. Luncheon will be held at Granny Shaffer’s Banquet Room after the services. The family requests that all who are able join them in celebrating Ruby’s life and love of family.