Mary E. Longwell (Jackson)

Mary Evelyn Jackson Longwell, age 87, of Montrose and Olathe area, took the Lord’s hand when he called her home on March 1, 2013 at her son’s home in Ridgway, Colorado.  Mary was born May 8, 1925 to Gordon J. and Mary (Griffin) Taylor in Verden, Oklahoma.  She was baptized in the Baptist Church at an early age.  Mary was raised and received her education in Verden, and at the age of 18, Mary moved to Montrose, Colorado. She met and married Hubert Ernest Jackson on November 29, 1943 in Montrose. They relocated to Olathe, where they made a family and raised their children.  Mary was a loving wife, and mother.  Her family has such fond memories of that farm and growing up there.  Along with life on the farm, she was also the manager of the RE1J Montrose County Food Program, where she worked for many years until her retirement.

After 43 wonderful years of marriage Hubert preceded Mary in death on December 9, 1986 in Olathe on the family farm. Following Hubert’s death, Mary married Marvin E. Longwell on March 31, 1988, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 2, 2011 after 23 years of marriage.  Mary and Marvin would quilt together for years; completing special quilts for many family members and grandchildren.  A favorite past time was photography, which Mary learned to enjoy and love.

The pride and joy of Mary’s life were her family children and grandchildren.  Working, playing and enjoying life on the farm; spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special.  She always enjoyed that time.

 Surviving family members include her sons, Hubert “Ron” (Donna) Jackson of Loma, Colorado, Sam S. (Sandee) Jackson, and John J. (Yvonne) Jackson, all of Ridgway, Colorado; stepchildren, Terry (Cheryl) Longwell, Kathy and (Kent) Neely, Karen (Tom) Ickes, and Gale (Terry) Longwell.  Mary was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, Hubert E. Jackson and Marvin E. Longwell, stepson Jack E. Jackson, three sisters and one brother.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, in memory of Mary Jackson Longwell, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, Co. 81402.  A public visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 5th from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.  A Funeral Service in celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Crippin Chapel. Interment and place of rest will take place in Olathe Cemetery, OIathe, Colorado.  Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Co.