Lois Jean De Long

Lois Jean De Long, age 94, of La Grande, passed away September 13, 2007 in a care facility in Hermiston. A funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church, 903 Penn in La Grande on Monday, September 17, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Sunday, September 16, 2007 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.

Lois was born on May 3, 1913 near Cove to Nettie (Golden) and Arch Conley. She was a descendant of early pioneers; her great grandfather being Ben Brown, the first man to build a house for his family in La Grande. She was very proud of her heritage and kept very complete records of those families.

Lois married Vernon De Long on December 11, 1932 in La Grande. Together they started the "Fair Maids" for the Union County Fair and served as chaperones for the girls for fourteen years. He preceded her in death in June of 1983. She was the oldest member in length of membership of the First Christian Church. She served as secretary in the church office for 14 years. She was a member of the Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary until her health forced her to give it up.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Adrion Rimbey of Hermiston; sons and daughters-in-law, Dale and Jackie De Long of Island City and Cecil and Linda De Long of La Grande; 12 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews survive her. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, a sister, Cleo De Long and brother, Royal Conley.

Memorials in her name may be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund.