Joyce Long

Joyce Long, 82, of Robinson, IL, died at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, IL. She was born August 26, 1934 in Pontiac, MI, the only child of Glen B. Baker & Priscilla Mae (Hartwick) Baker, both of whom preceded her in death. Joyce married James Olson on April 10, 1953, and he preceded her in death on September 1, 1958. She then married Donald Lloyd Conat on October 3, 1958 before marrying John Long on September 18, 1964. He preceded her in death on November 27, 2006. She was also preceded in death by her step-son, Clayton Long. She is survived by two daughters & sons-in-law, Connie & Gordon Mapley (Lapeer, MI) and Cheryl & Jerry Hooks (Robinson, IL); by two sons, Michael Conat (Olney, IL) and Charles Conat (Midland, TX); by her step-son & daughter-in-law, Kevin & Janice Long (FL); by twelve grandchildren; as well as several great-grandchildren. Joyce was a 1952 graduate of Pontiac Central High School. For a time, she was a foster mother and also worked for a number of local businesses before starting The Pickle Nest restaurant in Metamora, MI. She and her family eventually moved to Robinson in 1972. It was here that John went to work for Briggs Pottery and Joyce worked at the Quail Creek Country Club. In 1983, she bought Westgate Laundromat, where she became a staple in the community for over 20 years before retiring in 2007. Away from work, Joyce enjoyed attending flea markets, having found and sold countless treasures through the years. She was a very active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, having achieved 25 years sobriety while sponsoring many in the community. She was also a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In later years, she attended the Oblong First Christian Church. She will long be remembered for her love of food, and was an incredible cook. Her family will long miss her unique sense of humor and the love and care she freely gave to so many through the years. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 15th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A celebration of life service will follow and will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, with Pastor Dee Wolfe and Gordon Mapley officiating the service. Memorials may be made to the Oblong First Christian Church, with envelopes available at the funeral home.