June 24, 1933 – July 3, 2024
Her children, grandchildren and all who knew her “rose up and called her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28).
Mona Jean Long, an extraordinary mother, grandmother, mentor and friend loved by all, passed away July 3, 2024 at the age of 91 in Oklahoma City, after a major stroke. Mona’s inspiring light enriched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Through her loving eyes, she saw that God created everyone as a special individual and she treated every person with kindness, respect, and a caring spirit.
Mona’s rich life story began June 24, 1933, when she was born to James Blair Pybas and Ethyl Mae Hollis Pybas in their home in Blanchard, Oklahoma. As a child of the Great Depression and with a daddy at war, money was scarce, but her family was rich in every other way. She excelled at Pauls Valley High School and as a determined trailblazer, Mona was first in her family to attend college, starting at East Central - Ada with a $50 scholarship. She graduated from Hill’s Business College in Oklahoma City as one of only five women in a class of 100, then attended the University of Oklahoma two years. She became a Cowboy after meeting a cute farm boy, Ed Long, from Garber, OK, at Methodist church camp. They married in 1954, both graduated from Oklahoma State, and moved to Garber to join the family John Deere and farming business.
A typical 1950s wife, Mona was a dedicated housewife, mother, and church worker. Her focus was her four children as she encouraged academics, leadership and service. As her children became teenagers, Mona used her skills and talents to empower area young people, strengthen nonprofits, and develop programs that impacted lives of thousands. When she noticed a need for local girls to learn self-confidence and poise, she began teaching modeling, social skills and public speaking, of which over 1,000 young women from NW Oklahoma benefited. Other areas of impact included the Garber School Board, Enid Community Theater, Enid YWCA Board, National President of Poll-ettes (Polled Hereford Association women’s auxiliary) and directing the Enid Red Cross “Musixtravaganza” ten years. In 1979, Mona was named Oklahoma Mother of the Year. And in her free time, she earned an M.Ed. in Education with a Minor in Music.
As a new empty nester, Mona joined Phillips University and retired as Associate Vice-President of Development after 15 years. Upon retirement, Mona’s thirst for learning led her to begin Oklahoma’s first Lifelong Learning Program, in Enid. Upon moving to Stillwater in 2004, she led the effort to begin a program at Oklahoma State, serving hundreds of senior adults each year in Stillwater, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Bartlesville.
A new chapter began in 2012 when Mona moved to Oklahoma City as a newly single woman. She was determined “not to meet another man,” especially at 80. What a surprise when a charming widower, Bob Aldridge, came into her life and swept her off her feet. The two had a sweet, action-packed 10-year relationship as they enjoyed musical events, simple pleasures, 18 trips in the U.S. and Europe, and wrote a book called “October Rose – Celebrating Late Life Romance.”
Community service fueled Mona’s passion to serve others, but there was nothing that excited her more than time with her seven grandchildren, and she poured herself into them. Trips to Europe with each grandchild created strong bonds. Many of their hilarious and memorable stories are preserved in Mona’s biography, “A Woman of Purpose.” There was nothing more important to Mona than her family.
Mona is survived by her four children: Donna (Bruce) Lawrence, Dave Long, Steve (D’Lorah) Long, Stacia Glavas; grandchildren – Tyler (Loyiso) Schooley, Adam Long, Tara (Dan) Gregory, Ally Glavas, Victoria Glavas, Hannah Glavas, Shelby Long; great-grandchildren – Christian Long, Nolan Gregory, and Nash Gregory. She is also survived by her sister, Lou Ann Pokorny and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mona celebrated her 90th birthday with friends and family in 2023. She surprised each guest with her third book: “From the Heart – A Collection of Wisdom to Inspire.” She insisted the 90th party was her Celebration of Life and has requested no service. To honor Mona’s life and the purpose through which it was lived, donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice or to the College of Education Lifelong Learning Institute fund at the OSU Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the OSU Foundation and mailed to PO Box 1749 – Stillwater, OK 74076-1749 or gifts can be made online at osugiving.com. (Note the donation is in memory of MONA LONG.) The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to all who have shown concern and support during this difficult time, especially the dedicated staff at Epworth Villa.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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