Lois Duncan Long

Lois Duncan Long, 96, of Alden went to be forever with the Lord on January 17, 2022, at Sterling Village. Her dear husband Fred had preceded her in death by a mere 63 hours. Lois was a truly beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a treasured teacher and friend.

Lois was born in Alden on May 4, 1925, to J. Paul Duncan and Leonore (Proffitt) Duncan. She attended Alden schools and earned her teaching credentials from Sterling College.

Lois taught elementary grades in local schools, as well as teaching kindergarten at Florence, KS, for six years. In all, Lois taught school for 34 years.

Lois was the oldest of three children. Since her dad wanted to have a family orchestra, he had Lois learn to play the clarinet, her younger sister Ruth the violin, and her younger brother Jack the trumpet. Lois also became an accomplished pianist and organist and spent many years as a church organist.

She started dating Paul Fred Long during their senior year at Alden High School. When Fred was drafted in 1944, they were married in the bay window of her family home. She and Fred later bought this family home in 1947 and lived there until December of 2021. In all, Lois lived in that home for 88 of her 96 years.

They went to Texas together for Fred's basic training. Lois worked a hot, difficult job in the base laundry until Fred was sent to the east coast before shipping out for the war in Europe.

Lois returned to Sterling College and soon completed another semester. She took her first teaching job in the Raymond, KS, grade school.

When Fred returned from overseas, he completed his college education and began teaching and eventually coaching. Lois continued teaching as well until their son Duncan was born in 1949, followed soon by daughter Jan in 1952. Eventually the Longs moved back to their home in Alden and soon started working for the Alden/Sterling Schools. Lois finally retired in 1984.

During retirement Lois conducted a Bible study in her home for many years. She enjoyed reading and keeping in touch with her children and grandchildren and eventually her great-grandchildren. She was loved by all.

In her later years, Lois ended every conversation and visit with this beautiful blessing and we bless her with it now and for all eternity:

May the Lord bless you and keep you;

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you;

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

and give you peace through His shed blood.

Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul; two beloved children--her writer/illustrator son Duncan, and her lawyer/judge/legislator daughter Jan. We can only imagine the joyous reunion in heaven!

Lois is survived by her granddaughter Kristen Geri (Chad) of Olathe and their children Jonathan, Breely, Mia and Daniel; her grandson Nicholas Long (Samantha) of Manhattan; her son-in-law Ron Pauls of Hutchinson; and her daughter-in-law Maggie Long of Manhattan.

The funeral service will be at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, January 22, 2022, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling, with Pastor Andy Addis officiating. Burial will follow at the Alden Valley Cemetery, Alden. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 21, 2022, at CrossPoint Church, Sterling. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to the Jan (Long) Pauls Memorial Scholarship Fund or the Sterling Village in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.

For those wishing to view the service online please use the following link. https://fb.me/e/1w8tV29Mg