Elva M. Delong

Elva Margaret DeLong, 93 of Fairbury passed away Friday, December 23, 2011 at the Heritage Care Center in Fairbury. She was born to Samuel and Nellie Shrader Steeves on January 8, 1918 at Panama, NE. Elva graduated from Panama High School in 1935 and went on to attend Peru State Teachers College studying to become a teacher. She was united marriage to Mark Thomas DeLong Sr. in 1941 at Marysville, KS. They lived their entire life in Fairbury, where they owned and operated DeLong Auto Sales until 1981. Elva helped her husband in all areas of their business including sales, pick up and delivery of cars, record keeping, banking and customer service. Elva's outgoing personality made it easy for her to make customers feel comfortable and appreciated.
Elva first and foremost was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother who was devoted to her husband and family providing love, encouragement and inspiration. Her home, welcoming guests, trying new recipes, setting a beautiful table, caring for her yard and flowers, photography, shopping and sewing for her grandchildren were some of her interests. If you came to visit Elva you couldn't leave without looking at her basketful of pictures of her "special grandkids."
Elva was an active member of the First Christian Church, Church Circle and the Rebecca Lodge where she held many offices, Tops Club and the Extension Club.
Elva is survived by he son Mark Thomas DeLong Jr. and wife Pamela of Omaha, NE, grandchildren Bridgitte Ball and husband Steve of Norfolk, NE and Mark Thomas DeLong III and wife Angie of Omaha, NE. Great grandchildren Jennifer Ball, Lauren Ball, Kristen Ball, John DeLong, Zipporah DeLong and Cooper DeLong.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mark Thomas DeLong Sr., brothers Raymond and Harold Steeves, a sister Gladys Williams and great grandsons Max and Aspen DeLong.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church in Fairbury, with Pastor Ron Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Fairbury Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church. Family will greet friends from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.