Obituary of Joyce Long

ROCK FALLS-Joyce I. Long, 82, of Rock Falls died, Friday, January 1, 2021 at her home. Joyce was born September 10, 1938 in Sterling, the daughter of Lester E. and Grace (Kendell) Handel. Joyce married William Long on January 30, 1955 at Como Baptist Church. He preceded her in death on April 19, 2009. Survivors include six daughters, Laurie DeCrane, Teresa (Dana) Meiners of Sterling, Janet (Art) Ruiz, Katherine Freitas, Lisa Long and Melissa (Joshua) Johnson, all of Rock Falls; four brothers Larry Handel of CA, Jim Handel of NC, Gary (Sharon) Handel of Sterling,and Ray Handel of Sterling; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by two sons, William E. Long, Jr. and Emmett L. Long; grand-daughter, Jennifer Freund and son-in-law, Ed DeCrane, and four brothers. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Thursday, January 7, 2021 at New Hope Baptist Church, Como, with Pastor Roger Carlson, officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 9-11 AM Thursday, prior to funeral services at the church. Masks and social distancing guidelines will be followed. A memorial has been established. Memorials may be sent to Schilling Funeral Home PO Box 592 Sterling, IL and will be forwarded to the family. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.