LONG, Ellen C.

Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona March 27, 1996, p. A2 Ellen C. Long, of Hermosillo, Mexico died March 25 in Wickenburg, She was 87. Mrs. Long was born May 30, 1908 in Burns, Ore. She married her husband, Elbert 57 years ago. They were world travelers, often spending their summers in France where she became fluent in the language. They moved to Mexico in 1943 and were frequent visitor to the Wickenburg area. Mrs. Long devoted her life to teaching. Her teaching transcended all ages and cultures as evidence by the honors and certificates of good citizenship she received; her medals of honor from the Governor of Sonora; and being names the first honored Mexican of a cultural and financial organization in Arizona/Sonora-Sonora/Arizona for promoting good relationships between the United State and Mexico. This honor, although she was not Mexican, was also awarded in following years to Bruce Babbitt and Rose Mofford. Mrs. Long was also responsible for over 1,500 exchange students in two different student exchange programs that placed students all over the world. She was one of the founders of the Mexican American Cultural Institute which is a bilingual school teaching Spanish and English. The Institute has more than 1,000 students. On March 20, the Institute held a long-planned celebration which name the MARC Primary School after Mrs. Long. She was also a founding member of the Business and Professional Womens Club. Mrs. Long is survived by her husband, Elbert of Hermosillo, Mexico; sister Jean McNaughton of Parksdale, Ore. Brother Edwin Chandler of Bakersfield, Calif.; cousin Cleota Patterson and her husband, Stan of Wickenburg; numerous nieces and nephews; and thousands of surrogate children around the world. Funeral service will be held at a later date in Mexico. Frey Funeral Home and Cremation Service handled all arrangements.