BOONE, Iowa—Marilyn Jane Long, 91, of Boone, IA, passed away at her home surrounded by family on November 30, 2023. She was born July 5, 1932, in Boone, the daughter of Herbert Miller and Laurel Jane (Pascoe) Miller. On May 30, 1952 (Memorial Day), she married her high school sweetheart, Everett Lee Long, at the First Presbyterian Church in Boone. The couple was married for more than 45 years.
Marilyn graduated from Boone High School in 1950, where she played the French horn and was selected to play in the All-State Band. She graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (UNI), in 1952. She taught for one year in Dayton, IA. She began working in the office of Dr. R. A. Manderscheid, M.D., in Boone in the 1950s, continuing there until the doctor’s retirement in 1988. At the age of 55, Marilyn took computer classes at DMACC to prepare for her next career. For a few years, she worked in the optometry office of Dr. Charles Bailey and Dr. Jeff Anderson. Marilyn began working at Iowa State University in 1989. She first worked in Minority Student Affairs under Dr. George A. Jackson. She later worked for the Iowa State Alumni Association under the direction of Frankee Oleson, who became a special friend. She was very loyal to Iowa State University, retiring in 1997.
Marilyn was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she was baptized and married. Over the years, she sang in the choir, served as a deacon, belonged to the Women’s Circle, and was treasurer for the PW of North Central Iowa. For many years, Marilyn oversaw the funeral luncheons. Following her funeral service, a luncheon will be held at the Church in her honor.
Marilyn loved to travel and reached her goal of visiting all 50 states with an Alaskan cruise in 2012. She also went to other countries with a special trip to England, where she visited the area of her father’s childhood. She carried on many English traditions brought to the United States by her father.
She was active in the Ericson Public Library Book Group and often walked to Memorial Park near her home to read. She enjoyed attending monthly luncheons with her Medical Group, Tearoom Group, and with other friends. She had a grand collection of souvenir spoons. For more than a decade, Marilyn volunteered at the Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace.
Family was everything to Marilyn. She supported the sporting events and activities of her husband, children, and grandchildren, enjoying their accomplishments. In 1968, she proudly accompanied her husband to coach athletes at the first-ever National Special Olympics at Soldier Field in Chicago. Marilyn was a kind and caring person who had a smile that would light up a room. She showed unconditional love and acceptance to all. She was a conversationalist whose stories were endless. To her family, she was known for her calendar, long lists, and continuously beeping timer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Everett, and her brother David Miller. She is survived by her five children: Gary Long of Davenport, IA; James (Gabriela) Long of Mound, MN; Katherine Jane Workman, JoEllen Long, and Mary Long, all of Boone, IA; four grandchildren: Ryan Workman of Ames, IA; Kara Jane (Ryan) Barnes of Grimes, IA; Michael Workman of Des Moines, IA, and Kyle (Beth) Workman of Seaford, DE; great-granddaughter, Kadence Jane Barnes; sister, Carol Hopkins Pyeatt of Springfield, MO; three nieces: Mary (Greg) Tappemeyer and Sandy Call, both of Springfield, MO, and Marti Jane (Tim) Ashcraft, Cumming, GA; nephew, Curt (Karina) Hopkins of Longmont, CO, and many extended family members and special friends.
A visitation with family present will be held at Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home in Boone on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone, following the funeral service. Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church in Boone, Special Olympics Iowa, or other charities of the giver’s discretion.
The Schroeder-Stark-Welin Funeral Home, 609 7th Street, Boone is assisting the family with these arrangements.
