Myra L. Long, 62, of Preemption, IL, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at her home.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Burial was at the Aledo Cemetery.

Visitation was from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. May 26, 2020 at Nichols Bewley Funeral and Cremation Services. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing and limited occupancy was observed.

Many shared their love, support and memories with Myra’s family, on her Tribute page at: www.NicholsBewley.com.

Myra was born September 4, 1957, (though she would argue that date) the daughter of Kenneth I. and Charlotte A. (Figle) Finley in Tremont, Illinois.

Our mom had a great sense of humor and could always find a way to laugh, and once you'd heard it, you never forgot. People tell us they would hear her laugh from outside and say "here comes Myra!" You knew she was in a room by her laugh even if you didn’t see her. She had a huge, fun personality, a quick, contagious smile, a sparkle in her eye and an unforgettable laugh. She had a love for rings and usually wore 2 on every finger. And let’s not forget about the other men in her life: Elvis and Dale Earnhardt 😀

Mom had two green thumbs when it came to gardening whether it was flowers and plants or a vegetable garden. She grew enough to feed herself and many others, often letting people know a new crop was ready. She loved to find the best deals no matter if it was auctions, yard sales, flea markets or the grocery store. She also enjoyed fishing, riding in the side by side, and walks outdoors. Most of all she loved to spend time with her family and friends. She was a wonderful grandmother, making holidays special and making each child feel happy whenever they saw her. She made people feel welcome, making sure they got a hug and gift on Christmas even if it was the first time she met them. She had a huge heart and loved people. She loved hosting people and had enough food to feed a city block and all were always welcome. She always said “If you leave hungry it’s your own fault.”

We will remember her as a hard-working, passionate, strong woman who always loved her family, and who soldiered on, even when times were tough.

Those left to honor and cherish her memory include her children, Melissa (Tim) Harker of Lynn Center, Jennifer (Cory) Pancrazio of Moline, Christine (Randy McClintock) Long of Colona, Paul (Yvonne Lane) Long of East Moline; and Melissa Peterson, whom she thought of as one of her children; siblings, Kenneth Finley of LaHarpe, Larry (Vickie) Finley of Aledo, Marcia (Don) Wilken of Joy, Monica Mahnesmith of Monmouth, Lori Finley of Galesburg, Lisa (Brian) Miller of Monmouth and Ronald (Amanda) Finley of Gilson; and many grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Charlotte Finley; one son, Donald Malone, Jr.; and two granddaughters, Holli Harker and Jessica Harker. Also passed, her long-time partner, Richard "Steve" Ream.

Memorials may be made to the Myra Long Memorial Fund.

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