Troy Daily News

Lydia Mae (Wackler) Long
TROY - Lydia Mae (Wackler) Long, 93, of Troy, passed away peacefully Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, at Caldwell House.

Lydia was born Nov. 11, 1917, in Pleasant Hill, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Mabel (Jackson) Wackler.

She also was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Long; four brothers, Charles, Raymond, Donald "Bud" and Harold; five sisters, Frances Hoke, Ruth "Toots" Goings, Thelma Waymire, Mary Brumbaugh and Freda Farmer.

She is survived by four sisters, Martha Yingst, Ruby Griesheimer, Fern Adams and Nancy Willis; four children, Sandra (Fred) Scherer, Larry (Linda) Long, Linda (Don) Phillips and James Long; grandchildren, Tab, Colby and Lance Hill, Wendy James, Gregory Long, Tonya Cox, Terra Norris and Justin Long, Scott and Donald Phillips, Shane, Kelly and Josh Long; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and 58 nieces and nephews.

Lydia graduated from Newton High School.  Nobody could outdo her when it came to picking potatoes, tomatoes and strawberries.  Lydia worked many years at the Beery School of Horsemanship and was a lifetime member of the Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren.  Her favorite hymns were "The Old Rugged Cross" and "In The Garden."

She was well known at Lincoln Center pool for her friendliness and was a longtime member of the Moose Club and an avid bingo player. Playing Skipbo was her favorite activity on Sunday afternoons with her two daughters. Her grandchildren will always remember her special chocolate chip cookies, cakes and pies.

Lydia and Homer were longtime farmers in Miami County. She was one of the fastest tobacco workers around.  Lydia's sisters, brothers and spouses met regularly for many years at Joyland restaurant to play Euchre and have dinner. After retiring, they spent time in Homosassa Springs, Fla., and Lake Erie.  She donated her body to Wright State School of Medicine.  Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren of Hospice.

The family would like to say a special "Thank You" to the Caldwell House staff for their loving care of our Mother.  We will miss her impish smile and twinkling eyes. She will be missed by all that knew her.