Doris Long

Doris (Sladin) Long, wife of Methodist minister, Rev. Wayne Long, mother of 7 children: Sue, Becky, Jerry, Dwayne, Jeannie, Ken and Matt, died early Friday morning, Nov. 16, 2018 in Chico, CA. She lived an extraordinary life full of people, books, travel, faith and family. Doris was born in Missoula, Montana to Max and Hazel Sladin June 13, 1923. Her parents owned cafes by the trains in Klamath Falls, Oregon and Dorris, CA. She grew up loving books and music while manning the counter at the cafes and playing the piano, much her to dismay, while her sister danced in lounges. She left Klamath Falls on the train with 2 steamer trunks to attend Chico State when she was 16. She took classes in Bidwell Mansion and became a teacher (her favorite grade was middle school English) and a minster's wife, doing her best to balance family, church and teaching. After serving in churches with WA, CO, CA and NV, they settled in Gridley. She became the librarian for 25 years, city council woman, and Mayor as her interests included the need for change and community service. She was not afraid to try new things and traveled in many Elderhostels and missions around the world. They retired and lived at #195 in a huge house in Gridley, where they tore down walls to put 3 or 4 tables together for the wonderful, loud, family meals when the children and grandchildren came! As health and vision changed, so did the need for care. They moved to Assisted Living in Chico. She continued her love of books (now on tape), travel (now on the bus) and always welcoming family. Wayne passed in 2001 and she continued life becoming blind and being in a wheelchair, but loved sitting in the sun and being warm. In 2012, she moved next door to a skilled nursing facility with comfort care and was expected to live only 2 months. That didn't happen! She lived 6 more years. The deaths of two of her children, Dwayne in 1985 and Sue in 2001 were the hardest moments of her life. As she died, Nov. 16th, she left on her journey to be with Dwayne and Sue! She lived a life of family and faith. We are forever grateful for the Long Family Legacy of faith, strength and love. A Memorial service will be held at the Gridley United Methodist Church on Sat. Nov. 24th at 11am. The family suggests memorial gifts may be sent to the Friends of the Library, Gridley Public Library 299 Spruce St. Gridley, CA 95948, to be used for children's books.