Gladys M. Keenum Long

Gladys M. (Keenum) Long, age 88, of Aquilla, passed away Wednesday morning, February 16, 2011 at West Rest Haven in West. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Gholson, with Rev. James Stevens officiating. Graveside services will be held 4:00 p.m. Friday at Hillcrest Garden of Memory near Hillsboro. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Mrs. Long was born May 15, 1922 in Hill County, the daughter of James and Nellie (Reynolds) Keenum. She attended the Huron school in Hill County. On February 27, 1946 she was united in marriage to Joseph W. "Joe" Long in Waco, who she met while working at Youngblood's Chicken Restaurant. Gladys worked at the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant in Waco for over 28 years before retiring in 1980. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Gholson. Gladys enjoyed working in her yard, gardening, taking care of her rose bushes, taking pictures of wildflowers, and cooking. She especially loved taking care of her precious grandchildren. Gladys is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Dennis Long; two brothers, Austin Keenum and Orbon Keenum; and six sisters, Lola Nixon, Lois Seiber, Ola Belle Watson, Mary Rich, Vivian Martin, and Maude Rancher. Survivors include her beloved husband of nearly 65 years, Joe W. Long; two daughters, Cathey Cook of Garland and Lanelle Long of Waco; a daughter-in-law, Vicky Long of Aquilla; a brother, Jim Keenum; 5 grandchildren, Miki Land, Erin Walker, Jon-Michael Cook and fiance Stefani Wieding, Briana Gerik and friend Sammy Ellis, and Cody Long and friend Amber Smith; 4 great grandchildren, Haley, Trevor, Brayden, and Troy, and two on the way, Cara and Tatum; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Gholson or the West Rest Haven Memorial Fund.