Carole J. Long

Carole J. Long, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, at the age of 88.

She was born on November 16, 1937, in rural Van Wert County, to Kenneth and Ruth (Rogers) DuCheney, who both preceded her in death.

She spent her life in the loving community of Middle Point, where she created a legacy of service, faith, and family. On October 6, 1956, Carole married Ronald D. Long, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion.

Carole graduated from Van‑Del High School and devoted 32 years of her life to the Middle Point Telephone Company. She was a lifetime member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where she held several offices.

For more than 16 years, Carole shared her deep faith and compassion as a volunteer at Van Wert Manor, teaching Bible classes and touching countless lives. She was also a proud member of the Sweet Adelines Lima Chapter, where her love of music shone brightly.

Carole’s joy for life was evident in her many passions. She cherished gardening, nurturing vibrant blooms that reflected her warm spirit. She and her husband, Ronald, spent countless joyful hours traveling throughout the United States. Most fulfilling of all was cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events and activities-her pride in her family knew no bounds.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ronald Long; daughter, Kim (Kent) Hughes; son‑in‑law, Dave Thomas; sisters‑in‑law, Marlene and Karen Ducheney; grandchildren: Kyle (Cindy) Aulby, Chris (Tricia) Hughes, Sheena Thomas, Cody (Katie) Hughes; and great‑grandchildren: Beth Hughes, Ila Hughes, Maggie Hughes, Molly Hughes, Kacey Hughes, and Patrick and Lain.

In addition to her parents, Carole was preceded in death by her daughter, Joy Thomas; brothers, Ralph and Kent Ducheney; and great‑grandson, Nolan James Thomas.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 13, at the Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, Van Wert, with Rev. David To presiding. Interment will follow in Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Global Methodist Church’s Mission Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.