Mary Ellen DeLong

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on June 2, 1927
Departed on February 29, 2008. Resided in Marion, IA.

Memorial

Mary Ellen DeLong, 80, of 245 DeLong Drive, Marion, died Friday February 29, 2008 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice Center after an extended illness. There will be a private graveside service for immediate family members. Friends, employees and family are welcome to attend a celebration of Mary Ellen's life, share memories and enjoy refreshments at the Best Western Longbranch Restaurant and Convention Center on Sunday March 9, 2008 from 2 to 5 PM.

She leaves behind her husband of 55 years, Vince; four sons, James, Kay Douglas Dallas and Jeffrey of Cedar Rapids; and Robert Diane, of Prescott, Arizona. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Darcy, Jaimie, Courtney, Brynn, Nick and Haley DeLong; Ben Huver; two step-grandchildren, Kim Readnour and Joel Odekirk; five great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Huston Rogers, Junior.

Mary Ellen was born June 2, 1927, the older of two children, to Harry and Sara Lucile Darley Rogers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attended Franklin High School and graduated cum laude from Coe College in 1951. She married Vince DeLong on August 15th, 1952.

Mary Ellen taught country school in Linn County and at Fillmore Elementary in Cedar Rapids. In 1968, she opened the Longbranch Supperclub with her husband, Vince. She enjoyed meeting wonderful customers and working with many dedicated employees-many who became dear friends---during her 40-year association with the business. She was a long-time member of the Fourscore Club. She loved children and was a caring mother and grandmother. She also had a special place in her heart for rescuing stray and injured wild animals. She actively supported many environmental causes and the Smile Train.

Family members would like to thank the staff of Mercy Hospice in Cedar Rapids for the loving care they provided. They would also like to thank friends, customers and employees for their outpouring of comfort and support.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Cedar Valley Humane Society.
You may leave a message or tribute to the family on the web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.

Service

Family Gathering