Betty Jo (Clendenen) Long

With heavy hearts but deep gratitude for a loving life well lived, we share that Betty Jo (Clendenen) Long left this world on August 18, 2026, having graced us for 93 beautiful years since her birth on May 9, 1933.

Betty Jo’s story is one marked by boundless love and open-hearted devotion. To all who knew her, she was the embodiment of warmth, selflessness, and unwavering faith. Her world revolved around her cherished family, and her gentle spirit shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to be close to her.

As a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Betty Jo poured her soul into her relationships. She is survived by her beloved family whose lives she filled with encouragement, compassion, and the timeless comfort. 

She joins in heaven those she held dear and missed every single day: her father, Josh Haywood; mother, Grace (Jackson) Haywood; first husband, Clyde Clendenen; second husband, James Long; sons, Charlie Clendenen, Clyde Clendenen, and James Haywood; grandson, Brian Clendenen; great-grandson, Michael Robinson; sister, Marie Slack; brother, Frank Haywood; niece, Teresa Elswick; and daughter-in-law, Leslie Clendenen. 

Betty Jo’s family meant everything to her. She was their steadfast foundation, showing time and again that her door was always open, her arms always welcoming. Her greatest joy was found in giving—she always put others’ needs before her own, nurturing those around her with patience and love. This selfless spirit was matched by her open invitation to anyone who needed comfort, conversation, or simply a place to belong.

Her faith was the light by which she lived. A God-fearing woman, Betty Jo delighted in her church and found peace and strength in her relationship with Jesus. She lovingly shared her faith, passing on values of kindness, humility, and grace to her family, shaping a legacy that will outlast her earthly days.

Betty Jo found happiness in the simplest moments. She loved to walk, savoring the gentle beauty of the world around her. Trips to the store became small adventures, and a simple phone call to a loved one could transform an ordinary day into something special. The ordinary acts—walking, shopping, reaching out to friends and family—became her quiet ministries of caring.

Those blessed to have known Betty Jo will remember her as loving and caring, her home always a safe haven, her prayers ever offered on behalf of those she loved. She was a witness to the good in people, encouraging them always to put love first. Her life was a tapestry woven with threads of faith, generosity, and joy—a legacy of love that will continue to touch generations.

Betty Jo is survived by her beloved children, Patricia Clendenen, Billy Clendenen, Kathy (Eddie) Wagers, and Jerry (Dana) Clendenen; grandchildren, Rosie, Cindy, Jimmy, Tonya, Julie, Tammy (Jay), Kathy, Missy (Shawn), Heather (Bob), Eddie (Mandy), Staci (Daniel), and Justin (Ashley); great grandchildren, Sam, Annalise, Emily, Kyle (Samantha), Tori (Jayson), Brian, Allyson (Nate), Eli, Zac, Brittney, Edward, Emma, Logan, Chase, Jasmine, Tyler, Rayah, and Harper; great-great grandchildren, James, Emma, Kenny, Addy, Ezra, Cade, Liam, Tate, and Hudson; sisters, Lorene Crum and Mary (Paul) Reece; nephews, Jimmy Slack, Zach Elswick, Josh Elswick, and Chris Elswick; daughter-in-law, Marsha Adkins (Vern); and numerous extended family members and friends. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Betty Jo’s life and honor her memory. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, Kettering, located at 3940 Kettering Blvd, Kettering, OH 45439. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the same location. Betty Jo will be laid to rest with her husband, Clyde and son, Charlie, at Miami Valley Memory Gardens, 1639 E Lytle 5 Points Rd, Centerville, OH 45458.

We are left with the echoes of her laughter, the warmth of her love, and the strength of her faith. There is comfort in knowing that while this world has lost a remarkable woman, her legacy of devotion and kindness will endure always in the lives she touched.