Laetta Long Obituary

Laetta G. Long

Aug 6, 2023

Willard

Laetta G. Long, a 100-year-old resident of Willard, passed away Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, with her family present at The Willows at Willard.

She was born Jan. 25, 1923, to Charles and Eda (Kessler) Meyer and was a resident near Havana, Ohio, for the major part of her life with her husband, Albert J. Long. She retired from Faulhaber Company in Monroeville after 32 years of service. She was a former member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church and Altar Rosary Society in Bismark, Ohio.

Laetta is survived by her son, David Long of Willard: two daughters, Agnes Balduff of Norwalk and Kathy Frederick; and son-in-law, Dr. Joseph Frederick of Pemberville.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Albert Long; parents, Charles and Eda (Kessler) Meyer; two brothers, Harvey and James Meyer; sister, Alice (Shorty) Ruffing; sons-in-law, John Clayton and Lloyd Balduff; grandson, Mark Frederick; and daughter-in-law, Diane Long.

She has seven grandchildren, Amy (David) Wiesenberger, Beth (Richard) Fritz, Laurie (Kim) Haughawout, John H. (Sue) Clayton, Eric (Angel) Long, Hilary (James) Crawford, and Joseph (Tara) Frederick. She had 14 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was a loving, patient, kind, and wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

She and Albert loved to perch fish in Lake Brio. As a child, she enjoyed fishing in the Huron River with her brothers, sister, and often times her Grandma Kessler. She purchased her last fishing license at the age of 93 and caught fish when she was on a retreat at Lakeside with other residents of the Willows.

Laetta loved her garden where she grew vegetables and her favorite flowers. She watched her garden and the fields grow each season. She loved to read books, magazines, and at least two newspapers daily. As an avid Cleveland Indians (Guardians) fan, she rarely missed a game. Go Tribe! During the winter, she kept a jigsaw puzzle on the table, but any time of year she enjoyed playing dominoes and she played to win!

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She loved every holiday, picnic, graduation, and wedding. Her special joy was having her great- and great-great-grandchildren climb on her lap. Laetta loved taking a ride and watching the clouds as she predicted the weather.

When she celebrated her 100th birthday, she received over 200 birthday cards, many with a special greeting from family and friends. She was also honored with birthday congratulations from Ohio Governor Mike De Wine and President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board sent her a Certificate of Achievement. Her special day was spent celebrating with family and friends at the Havana Tavern.

The family wishes to thank The Willows at Willard and Southern Care Hospice for their excellent care, visits, kindness, and comfort.

Visitation for friends and family will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, at Secor Funeral Home, Willard. Laetta's Funeral Mass will be 12 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at St. Francis Catholic Church, Willard, with Father George Mahas officiating. Burial will take place at St. Sebastion Cemetery in Bismark, Ohio.

If you wish to make a contribution you may do so to St. Francis Xavier Church/School or to Southern Care Hospice.

Online condolences can be left for the family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.