Long

Shirley (Walker) Long passed away Thursday peacefully at home. A longtime resident of Butler County, she moved to Greensburg seven years ago to be closer to family.

She was born Nov. 15, 1930, in Tarentum, to the late Esther and Dale Walker.

Following her graduation from Tarentum High School, Shirley attended Westminster College where she earned her business/teaching degree. This was followed by several years of teaching in the Mars and Slippery Rock school districts. Later, she received her master's degree from Indiana (Pa.) University and then taught at Butler County Community College for 19 years.

Shirley loved being with her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking, needlepoint, traveling and dancing. Tap dancing as a child led to an interest in learning clogging after retirement. She could really dance. Another of her passions was her love of animals. Her "furry grandchildren," Buddy, Mr. Sniffy, Kitty and Cybil, looked forward to her visiting and the special treats that came along with the hugs.

In Butler, Mrs. Long was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church. After moving to Greensburg, she was an active member of the Charter Oak United Methodist Church. She and her husband volunteered for the church and were a part of the retiree's social group.

Even with her health failing, Shirley stayed active and was like a light in the room. She never complained because she didn't want her troubles to be anyone else's. Everyone who knew her, loved her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Edward Long; a daughter, Terry Zorch of Greensburg; a son, John D. Leslie of Pittsburgh; two brothers, Robert Walker of Findlay, Ohio, and James Walker of Las Vegas; four grandchildren, Kari Iacona, Rebecca Zorch, Laura Zorch, and Michael Zorch; and one great-grandchild, Jordan Iacona.

<B>LONG </B>— The Long family will welcome friends of Shirley Long, who died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday and from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday at the <B>THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERALHOME</B>. Services will be at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Monday, following visitation. The Rev. Paul Inks will be officiating. Interment will follow in Butler County Memorial Park.Shirley's family kindly suggests memorial contributions be made to Action for Animals, P.O. Box 814, Latrobe, PA 15650.Information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.