Ruth Long, 85, of Kellogg, passed away Monday, July 2, 2012, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born March 12, 1927, to Adolph and Alma Johnson in a farming community near Stanley, N.D. Ruth was raised on the family farm along with eight other siblings.

Ruth left North Dakota in her later teens after her mother’s death and headed west to Coeur d’Alene where her Uncle Palmer and Aunt Francis Rogness lived. It was there that she met the love of her life, Donald Long. They married on Jan. 13, 1949, in Moscow and later settled in Kellogg where they raised their four children — LaRele, Ron, Cheryl and Rich.

Ruth was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who always went out of her way to make you feel welcome in her home. She loved gardening, cooking and, above all else, just being with family and friends. Ruth never hesitated to offer a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. She was incredibly kind and was truly blessed with grace.

Ruth is survived by her children — Ronald, Cheryl and Richard, and their families — Juliet Long, Robert Dumont and Ken DeRidder. She leaves behind five grandchildren — Scott Long, Kellar Long, Kyle Dumont, Cody Dumont and Clare Dumont; as well as two great-grandchildren — Brooke Long and Makenna Long. Ruth has one remaining sister, Adeline Ruden, of North Dakota and numerous nieces and nephews. We can’t forget her loving cat Sasha also!

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald Long; as well as her son, LaRele Long; her brothers, Elmer (Charlotte) Johnson, Irvin (Olive) Johnson, Virgil (Angie) Johnson, Arthur (Margie) Johnson and Walter Johnson; and sisters, Wilma (Albert) Erie and Beulah (Elmer) Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2012, at the American Lutheran Church, 15 E. Mullan Ave., Kellogg, with Rev. Jason Bonnicksen officiating. A reception will follow services at Noah’s of the Silver Mountain Resort; everyone is welcome.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to Hospice of Spokane, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210 or to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

You may sign Ruth’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.

“What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller

Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.