Trudy E. Long

BLUFFTON, S.C. – Trudy Elizabeth Long, 81, of Bluffton, formerly of Sterling, and Palm Desert, California, died Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Long was born Oct. 21, 1936. in Sterling, the daughter of Leon C. and Katherine Keefer Worth. She was a 1957 graduate of Northern Illinois University, where she earned her bachelor of science in education, later earning her master’s degree in the same field of study. While at NIU, she became a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority, and was recognized for academic achievement by Delta Beta Epsilon and Pi Omega Pi honors fraternities. A 1954 graduate of Sterling High School, Trudy returned to her alma mater to share her skills in typing, shorthand and business English, and was a well-respected educator for 30 years. In 1968, Trudy received the honor of being named one of the Outstanding Young Women of America, which recognizes young women who perform unselfish service to others, charitable activities, community service, professional excellence, business achievement, civic and professional recognition.

She was a proud member of PEO, and was active with the organization for over 40 years, holding several leadership positions within her chapters. She was a competitive athlete, playing tennis in high school and won the city championship. She was also an avid golfer and enjoyed playing at Rock River Country Club and Desert Falls Country Club, where she won her flight in the club championship. Outside of work and civic involvement, she enjoyed reading and was a skilled seamstress. Her ministry later in life was knitting blankets for premature babies. She was a gifted vocalist and was asked to perform at churches and community events in Sterling. Trudy had a strong Christian faith and was a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Bluffton as well as Hope Lutheran Church in Palm Desert.

Mrs. Long is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Robert D. “Bob” Long; daughters, Cindi (Bruce) Ellmaker of Bristol, Virginia, Margo (Bill) Churchwell of Chelsea, Alabama, and Sherrie Long of Asheville, North Carolina; as well as her granddaughter and Delta Zeta sister, Avie Churchwell, who is a recent graduate of the University of Alabama and doctoral candidate of Emory University.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. July 14 at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 351 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, with Pastor Angela Jennings officiating. Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Sterling Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 1046, Sterling, IL 61081.

Visit saulsfh.com to send condolences.