Ruth Elizabeth Long
Ruth Elizabeth Betty Long passed away at her home on John’s Island in Vero Beach, Florida on Monday, July 30, 2007 at the age of 87.
She was born on December 26, 1919 in Charleston, Illinois, graduated from Purdue University in 1941 with a double major in Education and Home Economics and began a teaching career. She joined Swift & Company as a home economist traveling throughout the midwest and east under the stage name of Martha Logan providing cooking demonstrations on radio and early television. Betty was a pioneer among women: poised, bright and articulate; she was a natural leader and mentor to many. She was a lady of great stature and kindness admired by her colleagues and family always known for her generous, caring and thoughtful nature.
She married John A. Long in 1950 and resided in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, summering at Middle Beaver Island on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and retiring in 1986 to Johns Island in Vero Beach, Florida. She loved to read, travel, listen to music and was an avid golfer playing competitively at many local clubs.
Betty was committed to many charitable activities, holding numerous trustee and leadership roles. She served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Crittenton Hastings House and Clinic a social service/health care agency in Boston and was President of its Board as well as President of the Wellesley MA Crittenton Circle. She was active with the Boston Symphony for many years and was nominated to serve on their Board. She was an active member of her church and a sponsor for the New England Baptist Hospital charity. Betty had a life-long interest in education and a particular interest in the Special Education movement establishing a foundation to support youth education.
Mrs. Long is survived by her sister, Marjorie and her husband Pete Eckert of Scottsdale, AZ, her sons and their wives David and Janette Long of Savannah, GA, Jeff and Casey Long of Atlanta, GA and her four grandchildren, Claire, Marty, and Kevin Long of Atlanta, GA and Mackenzie Long of Savannah, GA.
A graveside service will be held in Savannah, Georgia on August 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Greenwich Cemetery by Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1111 36th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960 TEL: 772 567-5551 and The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601-7633 Tel: 800 272-3900.