Ralph H. Long, 86, of Baker City, died Dec. 1, 2005, at his home.
His memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Calvary Baptist Church, 2107 Third St. Pastor Ed Niswender of the church will officiate. His graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Elgin Cemetery.
Ralph was born on Nov. 26, 1919, at Elgin to Harlen and Lela Blanchard Long. He received his education at Elgin. He entered the U.S. Navy during World War II and served his country aboard the USS Antares where he served for four years as a storekeeper in the South Pacific.
Upon returning from the service, he worked for Standard Oil Refinery in California. He also worked as a bricklayer during that time. He moved back to the Grande Ronde Valley and farmed for 37 years in the Summerville area. He also worked as a logging faller, insurance agent and as a carpenter.
Ralph was a charter member of the Summerville Baptist Church. He enjoyed people, hunting, fishing, camping and gardening. He liked to play cards and attending pinochle parties. He liked to tease family and friends and enjoyed walks with his dog. He married his wife, Norma, in December 1997.
Survivors include his wife, Norma Long of Baker City; his sons, Wayne Long and his wife, Patricia, of La Grande, Ronald Long of Summerville, Gerald Long and his wife, Shirley, of Rock Springs, Wyo.; brother, Dell Long of La Grande; stepsons, Maurice Barclay of La Grande, Gerald Crawford and his wife, Lorraine, of Joseph and Donald Crawford and his wife, Beverly, of Pendleton; and eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlen and Lela Mae Long; his sisters, Helen Long and Mildred Rollins; a brother Lawrence Long, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in World War II; one grandchild; one great-grandchild; and wives, Edna and Silvia.
Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, December 9, 2005
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor