Thelma Willadean Long

April 8, 1928 - November 20, 2019

Thelma Willadean Long of Albia, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, under the care of EveryStep Hospice at the Monroe Care Center in Albia. Thelma was born at home in Monroe County on April 8, 1928, to Earl and Freda (Dicks) Swift. She married Ralph “Clair” Long on September 5, 1948, at the Methodist Church in Albia and to this union one son, Jeff Long, was born. Thelma and Clair shared 53 years of marriage before Clair’s passing on December 19, 2001. A graduate of Albia High School, class of 1946, many people fondly remember her for working for JCPenney in Albia for 30 plus years. Thelma enjoyed being outdoors and walking. She and Clair enjoyed traveling to Branson, MO, with their grandchildren each year and also enjoyed traveling to other places. She took pride in always having a clean home. Thelma’s true joy in life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and her great-granddaughter. Thelma is survived by her grandchildren, Chris Long of Des Moines and Marcee (Jason) Brand of Waukee; their mother Donna Long of Des Moines; a great-granddaughter, Ashlynn Brand; a sister, Carolyn Wilson of Albia; her nephews, Mark (Connie) Wilson of Ottumwa, Kevin (Angela) Wilson of Albia and Ron (Ann) Repp of Moravia and many good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph “Clair” Long; her parents, Earl and Freda Swift; a son, Jeff Long; and an infant grandson, Jason Michael Long. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service time, Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Thelma’s family present to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Roger Henry officiating. Burial will follow services in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia. A memorial has been established to St. Mary’s Cemetery in Albia.