Marie Louise Kjelgaard Long Vaughan

Marie Louise (Kjelgaard) Long Vaughan, 92, of Glasgow, Mont., passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow. With family by her side, she spent her final days recalling several stories throughout her life.

Family memorial services will be held on Aug. 1, in Charlo, Mont., with a celebration of life to follow at the Charlo Senior Center at 1 p.m. Burial will take place in Ronan in Mountain View Cemetery. Additionally, a memorial service in Glasgow will be held at the Bell Mortuary on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m.

She was the fourth child born to John and Esther (Pederson) Kjelgaard on March 20, 1923. She spent her childhood and early adult life in the Highland community of McCone County.

On Jan. 10, 1943, she was married to Harvey P. Long. In this marriage, eight children were born. With sights on obtaining land with access to irrigation and greater opportunities, the family moved to Charlo in 1962. She and Harvey adapted to life in the mountains and together worked tirelessly to establish and maintain the family ranch and dairy farm. In October 1964, Harvey passed away. With the support of her children, family and friends, she persevered in keeping the family ranch running during difficult times.

She then met Gerald Vaughan and they married on Nov. 21, 1981. This marriage expanded her family further by two sons and their families.

Upon Gerald's passing on April 16, 1996, she moved close to her son, Irvin, until suffering a stroke in 2005. She then made her way back to Eastern Montana where she lived at Prairie Ridge Village and later Valley View in 2012 until presently. Her move back to Eastern Montana made it possible to reconnect with old friends from around the Highland community along with sparking new friendships.

She enjoyed quilting, gardening, playing cards and cooking as well as visiting family and friends which she always had goodies and coffee waiting. In her younger years she enjoyed dancing and horseback riding. She will be missed for her quick recall of family events and historical dates. Even at the spry age of 92, she kept close tabs on all her children down to her great–great-grandchild. It is safe to say she was very proud of her family.

Preceding her in death were two husbands, Harvey P. Long and Gerald Vaughan; an infant daughter, Patricia Long; a son, Larry Vaughan; two sisters, Margaret and Ellen; and three brothers, Orville, Harold and Arnold.

Survivors include nine children, Carol Sibley and her husband, Dwight, Gary Long, Irvin Long and his wife, Mary Jane, Susan Long (Don Vaughan), Ruth Moran, Gordon Long and his wife, Julie, Leisha Edwards and her husband, Gary, Pete Vaughan and his wife, Nancy, and Lonnie Vaughan; one sister, Ruth Miller; two sisters-in-law, Betty Johnson and Thelma Frost; one brother-in-law, Chancy Long; 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.