Marilyn (Lyn) Long, 93, of Gustin Avenue, Bowling Green, died on May 12 with the blessed
help of Bridge Hospice. She loved her family and friends and was an especially supportive
spouse plus nurturing, energetic parent & grandparent. The Bowling Green community was a
grateful recipient of her activity for over 60 years, recognizing her as 1986 BG Outstanding
Female Citizen and her family as 1988 BG Family of the Year.
Born on April 5th, 1933 in Galesburg, Illinois the fourth of five children to Sam and Gladys
Cline, she enjoyed music from a young age and was an active learner. After graduating from
Abingdon High School, she entered nursing school in Galesburg, graduating in 1954. She
continued her education, attending the University of Illinois where she earned a B.S.N. and
there met the love of her life, Clifford Allan Long. They married in 1957 and enjoyed almost 45
years of marriage, ended all-too-early by his death in 2002.
Lyn was a fantastic parent to her four children, Steve (Kim) of Cincinnati; Andy (Anna) of Ft.
Thomas, KY; Thad (Debbie) of BG, Mindy (Mark) Gedeon of Fremont, OH. The kids grew up
in a home filled with love, home-cooked meals eaten together as a family plus wonderful
parental examples. When the 12 grandchildren began arriving, Lyn shared that same love with
them and was actively involved in their foundational years.
Lyn served as elder, deacon and choir member for First Presbyterian Church, Bowling Green
and was active with Presbyterian Women at the local and regional levels. She co-founded the
Wheeled Meals program in Bowling Green, co-established the hospice program in Wood
County and was active in any number of groups including Hospital Guild and King’s
Daughters. The BG Senior Center enriched her life with programs, friendships, meals and more.
The community will miss her ready smile, generous heart plus extremely active brain, hands
and feet.
Lyn donated her body to College of Medicine @ UT for medical research. A memorial service
will be held at 11 AM on May 30th at First Presbyterian Church, 126 S. Church St., Bowling
Green with visitation on May 29th from 4-6 PM at the church. Burial of ashes will be in
Meridian Cemetery, Abingdon, IL.
Memorials may be made to the BGSU Foundation c/o Cliff & Lyn Long Scholarship Fund, or
BG First Presbyterian Church c/o Cliff & Lyn Long Local Benevolence Fund.
