Desree' "Des" Y. Long

Des Long, born in Johannesburg, South Africa, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026, at the age of 89.

Des's early life was marked by resilience. Her father passed away when she was young, and she lost her mother as well while still a teenager. She and her older sister, Myrna, moved into a YWCA, where they took care of themselves and each other. Ever industrious, Des earned her beautician's license as a teenager and worked as a hairdresser — a trade she loved — until she met and married John Charles Long.

John's career with NCR took the young couple first to Nairobi, Kenya, and eventually to Dayton, Ohio, when he was transferred to the company's U.S. offices. It was there that Des and John built their family, welcoming their son, Gavin, and daughter, Heather.

Des spent her career working in retail, but her true devotion was to her family and friends. She was a woman who never met a stranger — warm, sweet, and endlessly generous. She loved a full social calendar, whether it was bowling league nights, card games, or simply the company of the people she loved. She was a gifted knitter, seamstress, and crocheter, always making something for someone, and she had a lifelong love of gardening.

Des was also an extraordinary athlete in her youth, trying out for the South African Olympic swim team — a testament to a lifelong love of the water that never left her. She was not one to sit still, and continued working until the age of 82. An animal lover through and through, Des always had a houseful of pets, with a special fondness for Siamese cats.

In later years, Des helped raise her grandson, John, and treasured every moment spent with him and, later, with her great-grandchildren.

Des was preceded in death by her husband, John Charles Long, and her sister, Myrna.

She is survived by her son, Gavin Long and Jo Ann Flynn; her daughter, Heather Long; her grandson, John (& Brooke) Long; her great-grandchildren, Gracie, Carter and Blakely; and her nieces and nephews, The Myburghs, and their families. Des was a member of the Kettering American Legion Auxiliary for 25 years.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Jo Ann Flynn, who lovingly cared for Des over the past several years.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Des’s honor to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 598 at ALA598.org.

To share a memory of Des or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.