Janet K. Long

Janet Long, a spirited centenarian, passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 105 on January 27, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. Janet’s century-plus life was a testament to her resilience, adventure, optimism and the enduring power of family love. Born in Kansas, Janet was the eldest of three children. Raised in Wichita, she graduated from high school in 1937. She pursued classical music studies for a year before attending Kansas State University for two years and later completed a six-month program at Wichita Business School. In June 1941, Janet moved to California. She quickly secured a job at a trucking company. Soon after, she met Merle Hill, an Air Force glider pilot. They fell in love and married in April 1942, four months after the US had entered WWII. Janet traveled with Merle to his training bases, and in the fall of 1943, while stationed in Kentucky, they welcomed their first son. After Merle’s service in Europe ended with the Allies’ victory in May 1945, he reunited with Janet and their son in Wichita, where they celebrated the war’s end on August 15, 1945. Post-war, the family settled in Southern California, where they welcomed three more sons. Seeking less congestion, they relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 1955, entering the grocery business in Vancouver, Washington, and later Brightwood, Oregon. Merle’s declining health prompted a shift to real estate in 1965, followed by moves to Tempe, Arizona, in 1971, and then the Medford area. Merle’s sudden death in 1977 at age 61 marked the end of their 35-year marriage. In 1980, Janet settled in the Portland area. While remodeling her home, she met Ed Beck, a semi-retired electrician. Ed soon became friends with all of Janet’s sons and their families. Together, they attended family gatherings, birthdays, graduations, and holidays. Their multi-year companionship blossomed into shared adventures—golfing, fishing, hiking, and traveling. They spent winters as snowbirds in Yuma, Arizona, embracing life’s simple joys. Janet reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Bill Long of Virginia, a retired Air Force Colonel, who was a fighter and bomber pilot in WWII. To the delight of their families, they married 61 years after first meeting in high school. They celebrated their marriage by touring in Turkey. Bill's family was amazed by his renewed levels of energy and enthusiasm and Janet became beloved to his friends and family. They brought joy to each other’s later years until his passing at age 83 in 2003. In 2006, Janet moved back to the Portland area. Seeking an active social life, she moved into a senior living community where she thrived—enjoying exercise classes, music events, bus tours, card and board games, Bible studies, and late-night reading. Her bond with fellow residents, many of whom shared her Depression-era and wartime experiences, was a cherished highlight. A close friend, Dick Johnson, a retired Army Major, joined her 100th birthday celebration. Family was Janet’s heart. She stayed connected through calls, letters, and visits, delighting in holidays and never missing a birthday—singing “Happy Birthday” over the phone when her vision faded. She adored dining at her favorite Mexican restaurant with loved ones. Janet moved one last time at age 103 to an adult foster home, where she received devoted care until her final day. From her youthful days of jacks, hopscotch, and street baseball to her adult passions for reading, golf, fishing, and travel, Janet lived with curiosity and zest. Her love for crossword puzzles, cribbage, current events, and Mexican food reflected her sharp mind and warm spirit. Her interests kept her active and undoubtedly contributed to her longevity and lifelong good health. Janet also credited a good diet, plenty of sleep, keeping busy, and a positive outlook for her ability to remain young at heart. Preceded in death by her brother Rex and sister Margaret, Janet is survived by her four sons—Gary (Joyce), Richard (Meredith), Gregory (Sharleen), and Dexter (Shellie)--along with 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Marillyn, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Janet K. Long

September 18, 1919 - January 27, 2025