Lebanon lost one of its best known citizens Monday morning, July 1, 2024, as Elizabeth “Beth” Lyn Long passed away in her Lebanon home. She was born April 7, 1948 in Lebanon, Missouri to Paul D. DeBerry and Eleanor Appling DeBerry. Beth was seventy-six years, two months and twenty-four days of age.
Beth was a lifelong resident of Lebanon and Laclede County and was raised on the family farm with her two brothers. She was a 4-H member and a graduate of Lebanon High School in the Class of 1966. Beth was selected to attend Girls State while she was a student at LHS and it was this experience that gave her the enthusiasm and drive to enter the political arena. Following high school, Beth attended Drury College.
On September 29, 1967, Beth was united in marriage to her true love and best friend, William “Kent” Long. Their marriage was blessed with the birth of three daughters, Amie, Dana and Sarah. Together they shared over fifty-six years of marriage, rejoicing through the good times and being there for one another through the challenging times.
Beth was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Lebanon.
When Beth was thirty-three years old, she was elected as Laclede County Clerk and served in this capacity from 1983-1990. She was the first woman to be elected to the office of Laclede County Clerk. She had a heart for people and community service and was proud to say she never lost an election.
In 1990, Beth was elected as a Missouri State Representative, District 146. She served in this capacity for several terms. She was well-respected in her position and in 2000, was a delegate to the Republican Convention when George W. Bush was named to the presidential ticket.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Alan.
Beth is survived by her loving husband, William “Kent” Long; three daughters, Amie Jackson and her husband Keith, Dana Long and Sarah Witt and her husband Russell, all of Lebanon; five grandchildren, Adam Jackson and his companion Lauren Freeman, Savannah Curry and her husband Austin, Erin Snyder and her husband Brad, Gage Jarrett and his wife Peyton, and Wesley Witt and his wife Arian; nine great-grandchildren, Jackson, Keaton, Silas, Jett, Anderson, Stevie, Clayte, Ella and Brooks; nieces and nephew, Kendall, Katie, Kelli and Kara; great-nephews, Ethan and Jace; her brother, Charles DeBerry of Springfield; her sister-in-law Karen Hofman of Lebanon; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Beth loved people and enjoyed visiting. She was a gifted speaker and possessed a witty personality. She was very patriotic and loved the state she represented as well as the United States of America. She respected the constitution and worked hard at everything she did.
Beth enjoyed collecting elephants and was proud of her large collection she had built up over the years. Many were personally purchased, while others were received as gifts.
Many of her fondest memories came from a close group of friends from high school. They went many places throughout the country and had such a wonderful time.
Beth enjoyed her flower garden. She enjoyed creating fresh flower arrangements from her garden to place in her house.
Most of all, Beth loved her family and was a big part in each one of their lives. She especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought her so much joy and she looked forward to time spent with them.
Beth was known for her kindness, integrity and determination. She was a hard worker and always supportive of her family. Her energy and quick-wit brightened each day.
We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and know that her family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories she made with them.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 6, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Lebanon. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the church. Burial will be in Lebanon Cemetery. Memorials may be established to Project 360 or Towers to Tunnels.
Arrangements are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon. For more information or to visit the website go to www.holmanhowe.com.
