Sylvia Lou (Singleton) Long 1906-2004

Sylvia Lou (Singleton) Long was born August 12, 1906 at Needmore, Missouri in Pulaski County near the old Riddle Bridge. She was one of eight children born to the union of Phillip Elbert and and Emma Florence (Wolfe) Singleton.

In 1922, Sylvia left home to take a position working at the Baker Hotel. She later worked at Dorey Hough's restaurant and then at the Stage Coach Inn.

On July 27, 1927, Sylvia was united in marriage with Francis Marion Long in Rolla, Missouri. This union was blessed with two sons, Francis and Kenneth.

After their marriage, Sylvia and Frank worked at the Pippin Place before moving for a short time to California to work in the vineyard fields. They moved back to Pulaski County in the late 1930's at which time Sylvia went to work at the Waynesville Post Office. For a brief time, she was employed at Mitchell Optical Company before doing laundry in her home. In 1950, Sylvia went to work at the laundry on Fort Leonard Wood where she held the position of supervisor until her retirement in 1970. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who did beautiful handwork and made many quilts for her family to enjoy.

Sylvia departed this life the morning of November 14, 2004, at Rolla Presbyterian Manor in Rolla, Missouri, at the age of 98 years, 3 months and 2 days.

She was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her two sons: Francis M. Long and his wife, Claudette of Mandeville, Louisiana and Kenneth Long and his wife, Mary Lou of Rolla, Missouri; one sister: Mae Case of Waynesville, Missouri; four grandchildren: Marybeth, John, Mark, and Paul Long; several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers: Harry, Barney and Mike and three sisters: Lillie George, Edith Zumwalt and Hazel Hough.

Funeral services were held at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday, November 17, 2004 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Mark Rinehart officiating. Sylvia's grandson, John Long gave a beautiful eulogy. Pianist Becky Lercher played "In The Garde" and "The Old Rugged Cross". Serving as escorts were Cleo Long, Doug Long, Jack Long, Leo Long, Virgil Singleton and Bob Zumwalt.

Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested in memory of Sylvia Long to the charity of the donor's choice and may be left at the funeral home.