Ireta M. Long, 98, of Liberal, passed away early Sunday November 11, 2018 at her home in rural Seward County, KS. She was born on May 17, 1920 to Howard and Elsie (Carter) Smith in a Dugout 12 miles west of Guymon, OK. On October 1, 1939 she married Frank Roy Long in Liberal, KS; he preceded her in death on March 5, 1995.
Shortly after she was born her family’s dugout burned and they relocated to rural Stevens County, KS; when Ireta was three her family relocated to Liberal, KS. She attended the Liberal School system. When she was younger she was involved with the Camp Fire Girls of Liberal.
After Ireta and Frank were married she became active in the Blue Bell Home Unit, the Rebekah Lodge where she was a past Noble Grand, and a 4-H Leader for 23 years. She was also a past member of the Seward County Election Board, was a Gold Star Mother with the American Legion and VFW. She was a current member of the Seward County Historical Society and Seward County Farm Bureau, receiving the Century Farm “100 Years of Helping Feed the World” award in 2018.
Ireta enjoyed watching old westerns, gardening, crafts, and also enjoyed all of her kids and grand kids. Ireta is survived by one Son- Darrell Long of Liberal, KS; Six Grandchildren- Mike Long and wife Wanda of Vacaville, CA; Lori Hunt and husband David of Aztec, NM; Laura Coury and husband Kurt of San Clemente, CA; Frank K. Long of Liberal, KS; Starla Parsons and husband Nick of Kansas City, MO; and Roy Long of Virginia; 11 Great Grandchildren- Marissa Kaup, Kevin Laup, Kade Coury, Makenna Coury, Marlaina Coury, Karley Coury, Dixie Hunt, Morgan Parsons, Austin Parsons, Miranda Parsons, and Warren Parsons; Five Great Great Grandchildren – Hanna Kaup, Savannah Kaup, Cali Mazza, Violet Parsons, and Channing Parsons; ; Three Sisters – Shirley Stover of Lucas, TX, Ramona Woodhouse of Manhatten, KS, and Mayrna Smith of Little Rock, AR. She was also preceded in death by Three Sons- Ivan Long, Eldon Long, and Allen Long; Three Brothers- Leslie Smith, Kenneth Smith, and Sherman Smith; Two Sisters- Lila Gillette and Phyllis Sammons; One Sister In Law- Grace Smith; One Granddaughter- Debbie Kaup; Two Great Grandchildren – Eldon and Billy Riggan.
There will be no public viewing as cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be 10:00am Friday November 16, 2018 at the Miller Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Terry Ford presiding. The family suggests Memorials to the American Legion Auxiliary or the Seward County 4-H in care of Miller Mortuary PO Box 826 Liberal, KS 67905-0826.
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