Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Dolores Long Obituary
Dolores "Yvonne" (Willson) Miller Long
"Yvonne" Miller Long, Seattle, WA passed away peacefully in her sleep July 19, 2020 at the age of 84. Words cannot express what she meant to her family and all who knew her.
Born December 13, 1935 to Harry and Geraldine Theresa (Huehn) Willson in Albany, CA. Her Dad, whom she longed to see again, passed away April 1946 when she was 11 years old. Her Mom, Gerry, married Robert William (Bob) Gribben in 1948.
Yvonne graduated 1954 from Albany High School, CA where she met and fell in love with Barry Keith Miller (and his 1940 Ford). She was remembered by her classmates as "the one who would never have a hair out of place." She worked two years as a communications clerk for the FBI & proclaimed her title: "Agent X." She was baptized Catholic in 1955 & married Barry January 14, 1956. Barry's job took the family north to Seattle in 1969, a place he grew to love during his early high school years. Yvonne was grateful for God's plan of directing her family to Seattle, where she thrived.
Yvonne's greatest love and enjoyment was her family, especially "deck time" overlooking the Puget Sound, Cascade and Olympic Mountain Ranges. She loved ice cream dates with grandchildren and full moon dates with family and friends around the world. Yvonne was an incredible first mate, masterfully navigating Puget Sound and Canadian waters aboard the Miller's High Life. She enjoyed an integral role in the design of the family beach house.
Diagnosed with Lupus in January 1986, Yvonne's doctors suggested she get her affairs in order, as there was nothing they could offer to treat Lupus. After much self-study about natural, non-toxic foods & supplements combined with the help from a nutritionist, she tested negative for Lupus in 1989... the medical doctors were astonished!
After Barry's passing in February 2001, her family was proud to witness how well she transitioned and watched as she began biking and golfing with girlfriends. In 2004, she reconnected with Albany High School classmate, Wayne Long. They courted and married on December 30, 2006. They enjoyed trips to AK, CA, CO, HI & ND and shared many family memories at our Beach House in Grapeview, WA. She grew to love the "Long Christmas Tree Farm" in Westpoint, CA, serving coffee to all visitors. On Wayne's daily walks, he gathered heart shaped rocks for Mom. She shared these special rocks with all who entered their home. In 2009, Yvonne was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. With tremendous unending love, support and care from Wayne, Yvonne managed her illness with dignity and grace.
She was proud of her five children and her Brazilian "son" Padua, our family's exchange student in 1974. She counted her blessings of friendship & those special bonds shared with her children's friends. She was proud of her combined 19 grandchildren who all attended college. She admired & enjoyed watching each establish strong relationships that support their futures for generations to follow.
Yvonne had a smart wit, great sense of humor and was always able to laugh at herself. She led an exemplary life of love, kindness and integrity with a remarkable devotion to her faith. Peace be to her resting mind, body and soul.
Yvonne is survived by her husband Wayne Long of over 13 years; daughter Pam (Jim) Miller Fargo, ND; sons Ron Tacoma, WA; Jim (Janel) Gig Harbor, WA; Tom Burien, WA; John (Jami) Federal Way, WA. Her world was blessed with 12 grandchildren Jared (Annie) Miller, Courtney (Josh) Brandenburg, Alicia (Matt) Fox, Robert Miller, Kyndal Miller, Hailey Miller, Garrett Miller, Lowell Miller, Mackenzie Miller, Kimberly (Kevin) Rafter, Brittany (Erik) Nielsen, Madeline Miller. She has 6 great grandchildren Ben & Brock Miller, Harlow & Lakyn Brandenburg, Jackson & Ava Fox and soon to be born "Baby Boy" Rafter and baby Nielsen. She also leaves behind 3 former daughters-in-law, Elaine (Gai) Galando; Michele (Ham) Miller; Loretta Livingstone and former son-in-law Jim Maes. In her marriage to Wayne, Yvonne's family grew to include Audrey (Gary) Smith West Point, CA; Laura (Byron) Christensen Evergreen, CO; Greg (Jill) Long Portland, OR; Gordy (Megan) Long Mokelumne Hill, CA. Yvonne so loved the 7 Long granddaughters Jenny (Luke) Stephens, Lisa Smith, Erin (Kai) Jones, Torie (Will) Silverstone, Brittany (Jordan) Henderson, Olivia and Anna Long and 4 more great grandchildren Carson and Kylie Stephens, Soren and Cecelia Jones. Yvonne has 4 siblings, Bob (Fran) Willson, Sue (Don) Cox, Jill (Rand) Perry, Janice Gribben. She is also survived by Barry's sister Marilyn (Karl) Mosher, along with many nieces, nephews and 10 godchildren. She was preceded in death by her father Harry, father-in-law Keith, mother-in-law Selma, her late husband Barry, nephew Paul Mosher, her mother Gerry and "Dad" Bob.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Kennedy Catholic High School, King County Medic One, NW Parkinson's Foundation, CHI Franciscan Hospice, Highline Food Bank and Seattle's Union Gospel Mission.
A private family Memorial Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, July 28th at 11:00am. For livestreaming information, please contact any member of the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dolores Long
Sponsored by The Family.
John and Barbara Wellman
July 27, 2020
Barb and I received the news of YVONNE‘s passing with very heavy hearts. However We know she is again with Barry and that lightened the mood.
We were not fortunate enough to meet Wayne who must be a very fine gentleman.
We first met Yvonne and Barry almost 30 years ago when our son moved to Seattle from Houston. As parents, we were worried about him being in a strange city, alone.
After a single phone call from a priest who was a common friend, Yvonne and Barry agreed to act as surrogate parents To our son in Seattle and be on call for anything that might arise.
That tells you a lot about Yvonne and Barry.
Following that we built a summer home in BC, and we had many enjoyable visits across the border at our home and at Yvonne’s and Barry’s homes in the Seattle area.
We all shared the love of boating and have great memories of life onboard “Miller's High life“.
We feel very fortunate to have been a small part of their lives and will miss Yvonne.
Respectfully,.
John and Barb Wellman
Erin Carruth & Ray Warns
July 26, 2020
Yvonne was the matriarch of our small neighborhood and it was always a delight to run into her on our street while checking the mail or just walking about. We've been to many parties at her lovely home and she was the consummate hostess. The July 4th parties were the best with views of fireworks, s'mores, fabulous food and her always delightful guests. Yvonne's passing leaves a hole in our neighborhood.
Anne Glasson
July 24, 2020
So sorry to hear about Dolores' passing. What a wonderful story to hear about her reconnection with her high school friend, Wayne Long.
My name is Anne & I grew up in Albany with my family, the Peterson's, on Ventura street with the Longs. My dad, Bob Peterson (trainer at UC Berkeley) and mom Alice, were very good friends of Ken & Evelyn Long. My brother Bob and I both live in Seattle and would love to connect with Wayne. I remember our family get-togethers & of course the famous Christmas Tree farm. Would love to chat about the old days in Albany. Anne Peterson Glasson - 206-650-5471. Thanks and once again so sorry for your loss.
Lorraine Gai
July 24, 2020
Beautiful Woman!
Luciana Carobrez Godoy
July 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
(I am Padua's sister).
Ella and Dale MacFiggen
July 23, 2020
I cherish the few times I spent with Yvonne. Most memorable was in Seattle when Pam and Jim married. She was the person who made you feel special.
Lisa Gigler
July 23, 2020
Yvonne was a beautiful lady inside and out! We loved spending time with her on her visits to ND. Our deepest sympathies. Lisa & Doug Gigler
Loretta Marie Livingstone
July 23, 2020
I was so fortunate to know and grow to love this wonderful woman. She welcomed everyone with open arms. I remember the first birthday card I received from her with a note to never run out of ice cream ! How I loved her and miss her dearly. Soar with the angels Yvonne. Forever in our hearts. Love you.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Dolores Long's name
Memorial Events
for Dolores Long
How to support Dolores's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dolores Long's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
