Ella Imogene Long

Ella Imogene Long, affectionately known as "Jean," passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the age of 99, surrounded by her loving family. Jean lived a long and fulfilling life, bringing joy to all who knew her.
Throughout her life, Jean was an incredible mother, wife, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a gentle spirit whose home was always filled with love, laughter, and cocktails. While some referred to her as Jean and others as Grandma, most knew her as "HuHu," a name her grandson Jason gave her when he was young.
Born on December 2, 1925, in Stella, Missouri, Jean was the daughter of John and Liza Lamb. She graduated from Rocky Comfort High School in 1943 and then worked at a hotel restaurant in Joplin, Missouri, where she met the love of her life, Marion (Shorty) Francis Long.
Shorty and Jean eventually moved from Missouri to Salinas, California, to be closer to her sister. They fell in love with the foggy quiet city, its fields, and the slow pace of life. In 1952, they purchased their first home in Salinas, which Jean happily called home for 72 years. She worked as a waitress at various restaurants in Salinas and also worked with Shorty at Monterey County Linoleum & Carpet. Together they built and managed their own apartment rentals with Jean doing the majority of the maintenance. A natural caregiver, Jean loved raising and caring for her three sons, her aging mother and many close friends.
Shorty and Jean spent much of their marriage traveling together, often taking their RV on the road as members of the Elks Camper Club. They were married for 54 years until his passing on February 9, 2001.
Jean spent much of her free time doing what she loved most: spending time with family and playing cards. She was an active member of various social clubs and found great joy in connecting with others. An avid bridge player, she frequented the local community center and was a life member of the Salinas Elks Lodge, where her warmth, generosity, and commitment to volunteering left a lasting impact. Jean loved to dance and participated in weekly gatherings with a local active seniors' group. She always had a deck of cards on the table, ready to play with anyone who stopped by, and enjoyed teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren the tricks of the game. She continued to play cards, often winning, up until the last few weeks before her passing.
Jean enjoyed garage sales and loved the early morning excitement, finding any excuse to have one. She was also fond of crocheting and knitting, leaving behind a knit blanket for each of her great-grandchildren. While she enjoyed dressing up and attending events, she loved family gatherings even more, relishing the company, cocktails, and her family's appreciation for her famous chicken and dumplings, chocolate gravy, and homemade cinnamon rolls.
Jean is survived by her sons Robbie (Debra) Long and Jerry (Patti) Long, along with her five grandchildren, listed in order: Robbie Long (Dani), Jason Long (Nicole), Jessica Long Roberts (Marcus), Jaden Long, and Noah Long. At the time of her passing, she had seven great-grandchildren whom she adored: Addison, Landon, Waylon, Grayson, Olivia, Hadley, and Ellie, along with her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Francis Long, and her son, Mark Long.
Thank you to VNA Hospice and her wonderful caregivers for their comfort and exceptional care during her final months.
Jean's kindness and love brought people together, leaving behind a legacy of cherished moments. Her memory will continue to bring comfort to all who knew her. Jean will be deeply missed but will remain in our hearts forever.
Donations may be made to: Active Senior Inc, in honor of Ella (Jean) Imogene Long, 100 Harvest St., Salinas CA 93901