Sharon Long

Sharon Lois Long (Yoder) Devoted wife, mother, and friend Sharon Lois Long, 79, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, with her family by her side. Sharon was born on July 9, 1942, to Lester and Mildred Yoder in Detroit, Michigan. Working as a Candy Striper at Colorado General, in the early 60’s, she met Weldon. At the time, he was also serving at the hospital as a 1-W. Sharon married Weldon Long in 1964 on April 4 and lived in Sterling, Illinois. They were each other’s lifelong companions and friends. They were blessed with three children while working and living on their Holstein dairy farm, appropriately named “Shar-Wel Farm.” Sharon was a wedding cake baker & decorator for ten years. In addition, she was a 4-H Leader, vegetable & flower gardener, an avid sewer, church volunteer, and exceptionally accomplished quilter. She was known for her passion for teaching sewing and her creativity. She also made colorful, one-of-a-kind leotards for the gymnasts at Ward Gymnastics for many years. Her piecing, quilting, and skill at creating memorable gifts for family and friends continue to bring joy for years to come and have become lasting, family heirlooms. Sharon and Weldon discovered an unexpected passion for Hawaii that they shared through the years. On their 25th wedding anniversary, she and Weldon visited Hawaii and fell in love with the islands. Over the next 30 years, they took nearly 25 trips to the islands. After retiring to Sun City in 1999, she remained very active in quilters groups, making custom quilts and quilted products, and participating in church groups. Sharon will be remembered for her compassion for others that served to bring people together often around a delicious meal. Sharon is survived by her husband Weldon Long, her children Vinson Long, Evon Long, Kriston Sellier (son-in-law Brandon Sellier), her grandchildren (Hunter Sellier, Sterling Sellier), her sisters Patricia (Yoder) Miller, Barbara (Yoder) Nissley, and her brother Lowell Yoder (sister-in-law Peggy Yoder), and many, many friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 9, 2022, at 11am at the Fairway Recreational Center Arizona Room 1 in Sun City, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, your thoughts and prayers are present enough.