Leona E. Long

Leona E. Long, 93, longtime Moses Lake resident, died Feb. 19, 2007, in Washburn, N.D.

She was the third child of James and Pansy (Jester) Reynolds, bom on Nov. 17, 1913, in Ranchester, Wyo. She moved at a very early age with her family to Norman, Okla., where she attended school and became a lifelong fan of the Oklahoma Sooners. She had seven brothers and sisters with whom she was always very close and she liked to tell stories about their childhood days, working hard but having fun growing up.

She married Thomas M. Long in Norman and they set out on their new life traveling the country, from north to south, east to west, following the construction business. When irrigation of the Columbia Basin became more than a pipe dream, Tom was hired by Terteling & Sons to dig the main canals and so began Leona's almost 60 years in Moses Lake. They made their first home here in Central Trailer Park where she planted trees that stand today as the tallest ones in Civic Park. She also made friends there she cherished all her life. In 1964 Tom died while managing a canal project in Pakistan leaving Leona to continue bravely on raising her family alone. She will be buried by his side.

"Gaga" as she was lovingly named by her first grandchild and called thereafter by all the children in her life and many of their parents, loved her family dearly and spoiled them all with her wonderful baking and cooking and caring for their every want. So unselfish with her time, she spent whatever amount they wished playing games and reading and lending a compassionate ear. She was a bountiful gardener, enjoyed working in her immaculate yard and being outside.

Leona loved sports, especially football. She was known to wager a bet or two on her favorite teams, which changed over the years from her precious Dallas Cowboys to her closer-to-home favorite Seattle Seahawks. Her competitive spirit was often shared with her grandchildren who considered her a tough fan and a lot of fun at game time. She was a passionate believer in God and the power of prayer, placing her success and well-being directly in His hands. She was a member of the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church for over fifty years and until she lost her eyesight was an active member of the ladies circle groups.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, all her brothers and sisters, and her adored husband Tom. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands, (Carol & John Thorn, Marilynn & Tim Hansen, both of Moses Lake, and Annie & Larry Gruenberg of Washburn, N.D.), 10 grandchildren, (Tom & Nancy Thorn, Jim & Mary Thorn, Mac & Lori Thorn, of Moses Lake; Nathan Hansen, Seattle, Steven Hansen, Seattle, Pam Adkins, Gresham, Ore; Tomisue & Levi Beckman, Jason Walker, Shannon Lynch, all from N.D.; Erin & Jeff Weaver, Bremerton), 16 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Leona was deeply loved by her whole family and will be missed by many, finding comfort in their favorite "Gaga Story" forever in their hearts.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on March 26 at the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church.