Gayle Kathryn Long

Gayle Kathryn Long, 87, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, beloved daughter and sister, devoted wife, dedicated mother, amazing Meemaw, incredible Great Meemaw, and awesome Aunt went home to be with Jesus and the Angels on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Gayle was a compassionate friend, always present, listening to your situation, showing support by always being there for you. Gayle was a Christ follower who saw the Kingdom-harvest needs that Jesus sees, and was always ready to actively get involved in loving God and others everywhere, every day. She was continually being filled by Christ and wanted others to know and experience His love, forgiveness, and grace.

Born on August 30, 1936 to the late Cardinal and Gloria Michelle. She was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She graduated from Central Catholic High School and attended art classes at IPFW. Gayle was employed by The American Red Cross, St. John the Baptist Catholic School, Turnstone as a pre-school teaching assistant, and worked as a geriatric nursing technician for 13 years. Gayle’s favorite role was being a mother, creating many wonderful memories (especially holidays) for her children.

Gayle was a graduate of Bible Study Fellowship, and a former member of the Fort Wayne Artists Guild. Artistic expression in Gayle’s life was stimulated by the love and encouragement she received from her family. Their inspiration brought her gift of art to the surface. Gayle’s artwork reflected her Christian faith, her love for her family (including all of her animals), and her whimsical, yet often mischievousness sense of humor. She also loved writing poetry and was the family photographer, resulting in a priceless collection of photo albums and scrapbooks. She was also an active member at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, Fort Wayne.

Surviving family include her children, Valerie Graney, Brady (Amy) Long, Michelle Wittekind, Tina (Tim) Putt, Theresa (Donnie) Dressel, and Kathryn Mitchell; 12 grandchildren, Rachelle Marie, Andy (Nikki) Long, Sam (Kelly) Graney, Zach Graney, Sarah (Devin) Knox, Neil Welker, Casey Welker, Christian Long, Courtney (Alec) Mann, Erin (Grant) Zimmerman, Josh (Jaimie) Mitchell, and Amanda (Zac) Badders; 16 great-grandchildren, Drew, Lily Rose, D.J., Klaire, Kelsie, Kayla, Jack, Emelia, Jude, Eliza, Georgia, Malachi, Maddix, Londyn, Sawyer, and Savannah; nephew-in-law, Richard Brady Long; sisterJackie (John) Garvin; and many nieces and nephew-in-laws. Besides her parents, she was preceded in passing by, the love of her life, her husband of 67 years, Eddie, Long, son-in-law, Dan Graney; son-in-law Frank Mazziotti, sister, Beverly (Dalton) O’Boyle; sister-in-law , Margaret Abrams; brother-in-laws, Brady R. Long and Harry Long who passed during World War II; and nephew-in-laws, Frank Long and John Herby.

A Christian Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2024, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes Maplewood Park 4017 Maplecrest Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46815, with visitation beginning at 1pm. Visitation will also be Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46815. A graveside service will occur Monday, February 26, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Catholic Cemetery, 3500 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Memorials may be made to Most Precious Blood Catholic Church or Carriage House. To sign the online guestbook go to www.mccombandsons.com