Laura Long, 61, of Remington, passed away at 9:37 PM, April 11, 2016 at her home surrounded by family. She was born June 12, 1954 in Pekin, IL to William Patterson and the late Mariella (A’Hearn) Patterson. She was a 1972 graduate of Pekin High School.

Laura served in the United States Army from 1999-2014 where she served as a Medical Surgical Nurse and retired as a Major. She was deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Laura was also deployed on several Humanitarian Missions with the U.S Army. She received many awards including, Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device and 10 year Bronze Hourglass, Army Commendation Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Blue Ribbon, and the Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon.

Her marriage was to Lance V. Long on June 11, 1978 in Chicago, IL. Laura was a parish member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Remington. She graduated from Valparaiso University with her RN in 1991 and later went on to complete her Masters. She taught in the nursing field at Ivy Tech Community College before going active duty with the U.S Army.

Laura enjoyed gardening, Lab rescue, and spending time at the Local American Legion Post #280. She was known for giving a helping hand where ever she could and being with her loving family.

Laura is survived by a close friend, Ron Dalrymple of Remington; children, Kelly Long of Mesa, AZ, Wyatt Long of Remington, and Cara (David) Cruz of Buckeye, AZ; grandchildren, Haylie, Daisey, and Cheyenne Cruz. She is also survived by sisters, Paula Hotz of Pittsburgh, PA and Debbie Patterson of Scottsdale, AZ.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Mariella Patterson; brother, Guy William Patterson; cousin, Rosemary May and an aunt, Patricia Sidell Vandeschraaf.

Funeral Mass at 2 PM (EDT) Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Remington (124 N New York St, Remington, IN 47977). Fr. Paul Hudson to officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following in Laura’s name: Love of Labs Indiana (lolin.org), Dogs on Deployment (store.dogsondeployment.org/donate.asp), or CancerCare (https://community.cancercare.org/tributedonation). Share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.