Gwenda Lynn Long, 57, of rural Pleasant Plains, IL died Monday, July 23, 2012 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

She was born December 21, 1954 in Springfield; the daughter of Lyman and Joyce Howard Sullivan. She married Kermit Long on August 4, 1990 at the Rochester Christian Church in Rochester and he survives.

She is also survived by a sister, Gayla Sullivan of Springfield; a brother, Darrell Sullivan (wife, Harriet) of Springfield; a neice, Harriet M. Steinbach (husband, Lou) of Champaign; a nephew, Patrick Sullivan of Springfield; and her sister-in-law and “Girl Friday”, Cheryl Long Greenhalgh of Ashland. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Long was a graduate of Tri-City High School and was retired from the State of Illinois, Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Division of Finance, Bureau of Budget and Cash Management following over 36 years of service.

Gwenda loved life, the fellowship of friends and family, and the companionship of her dogs. Her lifelong passion was her horses. She was a life member of the Illinois Stock Horse Association and spent many days enjoying miles of Illinois countryside from the back of a horse.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A graveside celebration of life service will be held 10:30 am Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Ashland City Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 4:00 to 6:30 pm Friday at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to St. Jude’s Research Hospital for Children. Condolences may be sent online at www.buchanancody.com.