Eunice Ann Longanecker

Eunice Ann Longanecker, age 86, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Thursday, October19, 2023 at Capital Region Medical Center.
She was born on October 31, 1936 in Headland, Alabama, a daughter of Jesse and Sally Mae Clements. She was married on May 2, 1963 in Columbus, Georgia to Kenneth Allen Longanecker who preceded her in passing on October 24, 2012.
Eunice was a 1955 graduate of Dothan High School. She worked as a telephone operator as well as a K-Mart associate in the electronics department selling transistor radios early in her marriage. Eunice went back to school to follow her calling of service as a nurse. She graduated with her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from Sauk Valley Community College in 1975 and went on to earn her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree from Lincoln University in 1984. Later she would earn additional accreditation by becoming certified in gerontology. Throughout her nursing career, Eunice compassionately tended to individuals at opposite ends of the age spectrum, welcoming and caring for new life and providing dedicated care for the elderly. Her unwavering dedication to preserving the quality of life for her patients was her driving passion. She worked for many years in various skilled long term care facilities including Jefferson City Manor. Eunice was the Director of Nursing at the New Haven Care Center, working alongside her husband Kenneth where he served as the facility's Executive Director.
Eunice found joy in staying abreast of current events, savoring her daily newspaper like a treasure trove of knowledge. Her eyes sparkled as she crafted scrapbooks brimming with her grandchildren's cherished memories. A family escapade to the enchanting realm of Walt Disney World marked a special moment, and she celebrated a personal milestone by dipping her toes into the Gulf of Mexico.
While Eunice might have been seen as a quiet homebody by most, she possessed an inner strength that spoke volumes. Her quiet demeanor concealed a reservoir of self-reliance, tenacity, and unwavering determination. She channeled her nurturing spirit not only towards her family but also to her patients, making her a natural caretaker. Her insatiable curiosity served as a beacon, guiding her through a lifetime filled with the acquisition of invaluable knowledge.
Survivors include her son, Michael (Debbie); two grandchildren, Jeremy and Mackenna; and several nieces and nephews, Glenn Allen Temples (Sharon); Val Evans; Steve (Judy), Mark (Karen), Jim (Mary Ann), Danny (Lisa), and Kevin Koning; Kathy (Trey) Barker; Bruce (Pat) and Gordon (Debbie) Longanecker and Sue (Carl) Niedoborski.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Kenneth; one infant grandson, James Michael; both her parents; all three of her siblings; and three nephews, David (Rena) and Joseph (Cheri) Koning and Ron (Pat) Longanecker Sr.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Freeman Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2023, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Dennis Maxwell officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
A webcast of her service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday for friends that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to American Cancer Society. Please mail all donations to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.