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Valeta Bernice Long, 89, was born into the Wellington, Texas home of Odis B. and Inez Reasoner on Saturday, September 12, 1926. Tuesday morning, May 10, 2016, in Grand Coulee, Washington ,with her beloved husband, Fred, by her side to say farewell, Valeta gently departed this world to be with her Savior Lord Jesus Christ in Heaven.

Following her graduation from high school Valeta Reasoner worked as a waitress in Kirkland, Washington. On January 1, 1946, Fred R. Long, had just been discharged from the military, came in for a cup of coffee, and was enamored with this 19-year-young dark-haired beauty working there. Just three months later, Tuesday, April 2, 1946, found Fred and Valeta standing before a preacher in the minister's Juanita, Washington home, embarking on a journey together as husband and wife, which would last over 70 years. As well as being a waitress, Valeta also worked as a cashier at Seattle Theaters and as a bookbinder for the school district in Spokane, Washington. She and Fred lived at their Grand Coulee home for 23 years and they attended Faith Community Church in Electric City, Washington. Valeta enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers but her greatest joy was always being with her children. In Fred's words, "She was the most beautiful...best wife in the world for me!"

Valeta's legacy lives on through her husband and love of her life: Fred R. Long of Grand Coulee; son, David Long (Lois) of Connecticut; daughter, Cathy Ward (David) of Florida; grandchild, Adrenne Deck (Damien); great-grandchild, Sophia Deck of Connecticut; and Valeta's brother, Jerry Reasoner of California.

Valeta's memorial service took place Sunday afternoon, May 15, 2016, in Faith Community Church. A private burial has taken place at the Washington State Veteran's Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington.

Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, is honored to be serving Valeta's family. Please sign Valeta's online guest book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com.