Patricia Ellen (Rhodes) Long, age 89, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025. After a long and courageous journey with COPD and cancer, her body grew tired, and she was finally able to rest. She is no longer in pain, no longer struggling for breath, and now knows only peace.  

 

Patricia was a beautiful woman – inside and out – and she will be deeply missed by the many who knew her as Mom, Nana, Aunt, and above all, Friend. In more recent years, she was lovingly known as “pretty lady” by her devoted companion, Larry, a name that captured both her outward grace and the warmth she carried in her heart. 

 

Patricia was born on August 15, 1936, in Monticello, Illinois, to Donald and Helen (Patton) Rhodes. As a young girl, her family relocated to Tucson, Arizona, where she later attended Tucson High School and built a life she was deeply proud of. Over the years, Patricia held many roles – beginning as a carhop, then working for the telephone company, followed by secretarial work for Road Machinery, and ultimately retiring as a legal secretary. Remarkably, she accomplished all of this without formal training or education. She was self- taught, quick to learn, and known for holding herself to the highest standards, always striving for excellence in everything she did. 

 

In her later years, Patricia discovered a deep passion for quilting. She became an avid quilter, creating countless quilts for family and friends, each one stitched with love and care. She was always eager to learn new patterns and techniques, finding joy in both the craft and the gift it became for others.  

 

Patricia loved traveling with her best friend and companion, Larry Robinson, who was her rock and constant support for the last ten years of her life. Together they shared many adventures and simple joys. She especially cherished her summers in Ohio – Gardening, canning, quilting, attending car shows, and spending peaceful days at the cabin she loved so dearly.  

 

When asked about her greatest achievement, Patricia would always say her family. She is survived by her loyal canine companion Chopper; her son Daniel Long; daughter-in-law Kelley Lee; daughter Patricia Horton; and son-in-law Patrick Horton. She was a proud devoted Nana to eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Even these numbers hardly tell the full story, as Patricia had a remarkable gift for “adopting” children, stepchildren, and grandchildren through family and friends. No one was ever left out – if you needed love, you belonged. 

 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, kindness, and condolences shared throughout Patricia’s journey. Knowing she was surrounded by love brought great comfort. Today, she is free from pain and suffering, watching over those she loved as they continue their earthly journey.  

 

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Methodist Church, located at 1431 W. Magee Road, Tucson, Arizona. Patricia will be laid to rest at Marana Veterans Cemetery, alongside her late husband, Wallace, at a later date.