Fern Marie Long

On June 16, 2026 Fern Marie Long, 85 years old, was called home to our Heavenly Father.

Marie was born in Calico Rock, Arkansas to loving parents Herbert and Maxine Russell. She had a sister, Gerr Russell Talburt, and 3 brothers, Neiil, Johnny and Robert Russell. While in high school her family moved to Monte Vista, Colorado where Marie worked at the A&W drive inn where she would meet the love of her life, Douglas (Bill) Long.

After graduating high school, Marie and Bill eloped to Taos, New Mexico and have been happily together ever since. Together they brought 2 children into their family, Allison and Douglas. In 1970 Marie and Bill settled in Shelley Idaho where they planted roots and have lived ever since. After many happy years, Marie retired from the R T French Co bringing with her many lasting friendships.

Marie had many talents. She enjoying oil painting, sewing, cooking and being a wonderful mother, grandmother and wife. She enjoyed spending time with her family camping, fishing, riding behind Bill on their 4 wheeler, and spending nearly every summer in Island Park – their home away from home.

Marie enjoyed spending time with her in-laws Chris and Marguerite Long who loved her as a daughter. Marie also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren Heather, Megan, Ian and Matthew and her great grandchildren Hunter, Jackson, Christian and Easton, loving each of them with all her heart. Another hobby she had was antiquing and spending time with her sister-in-laws whom she loved as though they were her own sisters, Wilda Russell, Joyce Russell and Doris Russell.

Marie was a proud and devout Christian and was well known for her kindness and helping others. She will be missed by her family and all that knew her.

Marie is survived by her loving husband of nearly 70 years, Douglas “Bill” Long, her daughter, Allison (husband Doug) Moss, grandsons, Ian and Matthew Kihara, granddaughters, Heather (husband David) King, and Megan (husband Chris) Kennedy, great grandchildren, Hunter Kihara, Jackson Kihara, Christian Kelley and Easton Kennedy.

She was proceeded in death by her beloved son, Douglas Allen Long, her parents, Herbert and Maxine Russell, brothers, Neil (wife Doris), Johnny, and Robert Russell and her sister Gerri Talburt (husband Dale).

No services are scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Shelley Food Pantry.

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