Ruth M. Long

Private Graveside Services for Ruth M. Long will be held on Friday, October 16, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Industry Cemetery, in rural Atlanta, Nebraska, with Pastor Rick Thomason officiating.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services will be followed. The Long family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Ruth's services based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.  Ruth's graveside service will be live-streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home's Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622)

Ruth Maxine Long, 98 years of age, of Holdrege, formerly of Atlanta, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Holdrege Memorial Homes. Ruth was born on February 9, 1922, at Kenesaw, Nebraska, the fourth of seven children, to Chester Wray and Bertha Iva (Gangwish) Leopold. She attended various rural schools in Hall and Harlan Counties to receive her primary education, and attended Huntley High School, graduating with the class of 1939.  Ruth pursued higher education from Bonnell Beauty Academy in Hastings, Nebraska for one year.

On August 1, 1941, Ruth was united in marriage to Nolan Gaylord Long in Holdrege.  The couple was blessed with seven children:  Joyce, Jerry, Jimmy, Gaylord, Greg, Glen, and Gary.  The family made their home in Atlanta, where Ruth was employed for over 20 years at the Atlanta Post Office as the Post Master Replacement.  She retired on September 3, 1997.  She remained a licensed and practicing Cosmetologist until 1983.

Ruth enjoyed her flower gardening, crocheting, knitting, and quilting.  She also enjoyed spending time with her family.  She was a member of the Atlanta United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school and was a 50 year member of the UMW.  Ruth was also a Harlan County 4-H Club Leader for 25 years.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; three siblings in infancy; husband, Nolan Long in 1985; two sons:  Jerry Long, at the age of 7 years; and Jimmy Long; sister, Edna Einspahr; and daughter-in-law, Kimberly Long.

Ruth leaves to celebrate her life; one daughter, Joyce Edgren and her husband, Arland of Holdrege; three sons:  Gaylord Long and his wife, Judy of Bertrand, Nebraska; Greg Long and his wife, Jennifer of Moses Lake, Washington; Glen Long and his wife, Kathy of Elm Creek, Nebraska; and Gary Long of Atlanta; daughter-in-law, Rogene Long of New Castle, Wyoming; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; one sister:  Ina June Winklemann of Holdrege; one brother, Dean Leopold and his wife, Rosie of Loomis, Nebraska; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Ruth's honor, and kindly suggested to the Industry Cemetery; or to the Donor's Choice.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.