JOSEPHINE LONG

Josephine (Jo, Josie) Gertrude Long Josephine was born January 30, 1913 to Austrian immigrants Jacob and Cecilia Remshe. She was the first born in a family that included two sisters and a brother. She grew up in the coal-mining town of Black Diamond. She passed away December 31, 2012, with her loving family by her side. She was one month shy of her 100th birthday. In 1939 Josephine married Conrad Daniel Long, and together they owned a raspberry farm on River Road. In 1945 they welcomed their daughter, Betty Jean, into their lives. In 1958 she began driving a school bus for Riverside School. When Riverside consolidated with Puyallup School District, she became the first woman school bus driver in Puyallup. She loved her job and the children and families she encountered during her 20 years of driving. She and Conrad sold the berry farm in 1966 and moved to Golden Rose Park in Puyallup. Josephine loved flower gardening, dancing, and traveling. She drove RV's and traveled the states, including driving the Alaskan Highway. She took many cruises, trips to Hawaii, and toured Europe at age 87. Most of all, Josephine loved her "little family," enjoying her time with them. Her survivors include daughter Betty, and her grandchildren Eric John Wendt (Pamela) of Bonney Lake, Andrea Danielle Hanson of Spokane, and Amanda Joelle Wendt of Puyallup. She adored watching her great-grandchildren, who called her GG, grow up. They include Storm Allister Wendt, Phoenix Jayden Warr and Jaida Rose Josephine Hanson. She is also survived by sister Ann Thorsett of Puyallup, brother Ed (Peggy) Remshe of California, and nephew Larry McGoff of Hawaii. She was preceded in death by her sister Sally McGoff and her husband Conrad. Josephine had many dear friends over the years, most of whom have passed. She was a sweet, dear lady with a heart of gold. Her beautiful smile and twinkling blue eyes brightened everyone's life. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. There will be a viewing at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, Monday, 1/7/2013, at 10am, Rosary at 10:30, and Funeral Mass at 11 am. Burial to follow at Sumner City Cemetery.