Joanne Long

Joanne Elizabeth Long, 78 of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away Monday, March 28, 2011 at her residence. Services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 31, 2011 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday at the Lutheran Cemetery in Norborne, MO. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m., until service time Thursday at the chapel. Donations may be made in her name to Wayside Waifs, Ascension Lutheran Church or to Alzheimer’s Research. Joanne was born March 19, 1933 in Norborne, MO to Richard and Anna (Woody) Buchholz. She grew up and graduated from High School in Norborne, MO. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker who enjoyed quilting, sewing and church work. She was a member of the Ascension Lutheran Church and the Lutherans Women Missionary League. She was married to Bob Long on April 4, 1954; he survives of the home. Other survivors include; 2 daughters, Sandy Gregory of Oak Grove, MO and Gayla Sparks of Springfield, MO; a son, Michael Long and his wife Cheryl of Lee’s Summit, MO; a sister Norma Jean King of Denver, CO; a brother, Richard Buchholz of Independence, MO; 6 grandchildren, Megan Balla, Jessica Gregory, Hunter Gregory, Cameron Gregory, Buck Sparks and Casey Sparks and a great granddaughter, Marisa Gregory. She was preceded in death by a brother, John Buchholz. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Joanne’s health care givers, Linda McAfee, Shari Coleman, Donna Fields, Beth Curtis and to the staff of Crossroads Hospice.