Phyllis Irene Wilson Long, 95, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, formerly of Norfolk, Nebraska, died Friday, March 29, 2013, in Las Cruces. She was born March 5, 1918 to Howard and Irene Wilson in West Point, Nebraska. Phyllis graduated from West Point High School in 1935, and went to Washington, D.C. to work as a secretary for the Navy before the war. She met her husband, Lowell H. Long, in Norfolk, and they married in Washington, D.C. in 1942. Following the war, the Longs returned to Norfolk, where Lowell started Long's Dental Laboratory, and Phyllis managed the home and raised their three daughters: Kathleen Hegler, Patricia Loring, and Jane Leupold. She and Lowell were married for 70 years before his death in 2012.

Phyllis volunteered at the local hospital, played golf, loved to read, was an excellent seamstress, corresponded with family and friends via articulate and amusing letters, and was a powerful role model for all in her family. Phyllis had good taste, and maintained an impeccable style of dress and appearance her whole life. In particular, though, Phyllis loved children, and we will remember fondly the distinctively assertive and loving manner in which she fulfilled the role of parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent.

Survivors include daughter Kathy (Bob) Hegler of Cortland, Nebraska; sons-in-law Keith Leupold of Las Cruces, and Fred (Barb) Loring of Rochester, Minnesota; grandchildren Ana (Steven) Balka-Ypma of Kiln, Mississippi; Sarah (Roberto) Loring de Garcia of Monterrey, Mexico; Scott (Heidi) Loring of Russellville, Missouri; Michelle (Matt) Cochell of Cortland, Nebraska; and Zach, Brita, and Nathan Leupold of Las Cruces; great-grandchildren Amelia Garcia Loring of Monterrey, Mexico; Kellanne Loring of Russellville, Missouri; and Easton and Brody Cochell of Cortland, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by husband Lowell, and beloved daughters Patricia Loring and Jane Leupold. Private services will be held.


Published March 30, 2013 by La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home