Patsy Merlene ‘Pat’ Long | 86 | Pleasant Hill

By Editor | June 25, 2025 |

Patsy Merlene “Pat” Long, 86, formerly of rural Pleasant Hill, passed away Friday morning, June 20, 2025, at Pittsfield Manor in Pittsfield.
Pat was born May 22, 1939, in Birch Tree, MO, a daughter of Ward Merle and Ollie Bernece Richardson Powell. She married Cecil Dale Long Aug. 23, 1959, at Franklin Park, IL, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 3, 2024.
Pat received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Culver-Stockton College, MO, through St. Mary’s Hospital in Quincy. She was retired, having been employed as an R.N. by Pike County Memorial Hospital in Louisiana, MO; Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield, specifically in the Coronary Unit; the Pike County (IL) Health Department; and a local nursing home. Pat and Cecil owned and operated the Gamble Store in Pleasant Hill for 13 years.
Pat was a long-time member of the Pleasant Hill Christian Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and song leader. She was a member of the Pleasant Hill Seniors Group and the Pleasant Hill Red Hat Society. She enjoyed volunteering at the Pleasant Hill Grade School, and doing blood pressures for senior citizens.
Pat made cookies for grandchildren, hunters, church kids, people who were ill, her accountant, her hair dresser, and so many others.
Survivors include two daughters, Pamela (John) Douglas of Pleasant Hill and Ann (Dan) Podbelsek of Lincoln; two sons, Don (Dianna) Long of Thompson, IA, and Dan Long of Pittsfield; 13 grandchildren: Susan and Tyler Douglas and Kris Ann Moghadamian; Amanda Maxheimer and Paige Mendenhall; and Brittney Potter, Jacob, Morgan, Janna, Ethan, Zachary, Seth, and Jack Long; 19 great-grandchildren; cousin-in-law Carolyn Casteel; sisters-in-law Dorothy Powell, Doris Armstrong, and Ruth Long.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers James Ward Powell and William Merle Powell, brother-in-law Carroll Long, and grandson Will Podbelsek.
Funeral services will be Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m. at the Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Pleasant Hill conducted by Eldon Cook. Burial will follow at Crescent Heights Cemetery, Pleasant Hill. Visitation will be Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. until time of services.
Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Hill Christian Church and Pleasant Hill Elementary School.
Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill is handling the arrangements