Shirley A. Long

The Reverend Shirley Ann Long, 66, a resident of Bettendorf, Iowa, died Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at Trinity Pathway Hospice. Her long struggle with ovarian cancer, and then with leukemia the last few days of her life, was a humbling testament to her powerful spirit. We were so proud of her for fighting the good fight for nearly seven years. She was truly one of a kind and we loved the pilgrim soul in her.
Shirley Ann was born July 6, 1941 in Novinger, Missouri, the daughter of Louis and Leona (Collins) Dixon. She was a licensed minister and a long-time member of the Spiritualist faith. She was a gifted morel hunter and a lucky bingo player. Additionally, she was well known for being an amazing cook and baker, a fisherman, a quilter, and a gardener with a green thumb. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, her dogs, and her many dear friends including playing cards with her best friend “Grandma” Dilley.
Those left to honor her memory include her son, Wendell (LouAnne) Long of Davenport, Iowa, (and their daughter, Charlotte, plus grandchildren); and her daughters, Karen Lynn (Patrick) Kepler of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Susan Lafler, of Coralville, Iowa, (and her children Jason, Cole, Brandon, and Anica); her sister, Peggy Hickey, of California, and her brother Layton Dixon, of Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents and several brothers and sisters.
Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Gathering which will be held on Sunday, December 9th at the Buffalo Community Center, Buffalo, Iowa, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to share our stories and honor her. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to her family. Additionally, on-line condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting her obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.