Joyce Elaine Long

July 14, 1928 - August 20, 2020

Joyce Long passed away on August 20, 2020 at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo, ND. Joyce was born on July 14, 1928 in Leola, SD to William M. and Ila (Ritchie) Ferguson. She graduated from Central High, Aberdeen, SD in 1946 and went on to complete her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Hamline University, St. Paul, MN. On September 8, 1950 she married Dean Long in Aberdeen, SD. She taught at St. Luke’s School of Nursing for a few years and then took time away from nursing to raise their two children and be involved in community affairs. Joyce was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Fargo where she taught Sunday School, was a member of the Board of Deacons and was active in Church Circles. She was a member of Junior League of Fargo Moorhead and was active in the Opportunity School where she served as President of the Board in 1963. She was also active as a Cub Scout and Campfire leader. Joyce returned to St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1970 until she retired in 1987. She enjoyed retirement in Sun City West, AZ and Lake Melissa near Detroit Lakes, MN. Joyce is survived by her son, William R. (Jane) Long, Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Mary (Brent) Qualey, Fargo ND; grandchildren Andrea (Roberto) Barcenas, Cynthia Qualey, Zach (Caryn Reynolds) DiCicco; and three great-grandchildren, Lila, Maya and Alex Barcenas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean, in 2019 and also by her parents and her brother, James Ferguson. A private family service is planned.