Alicia J. (Ruberg) Long

Alicia J. (Ruberg) Long, 88, of Clarion, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Clarion.

A Celebration of Life for Alicia Long will be planned for a later date due to the State of Iowa’s recent prohibition of public gatherings of groups greater than 10 people. 

Alicia Joyce (Ruberg) Long was born March 5, 1932 in LuVerne, Iowa to Nels Peter and Wilma Luella (Kubly) Ruberg.  Alicia grew up in the area, living with her parents and siblings Frances ‘Sonny’, Harriet, and Warren on farms near LuVerne, Livermore, Thor, Badger and Goldfield.  She graduated from Vernon high school in 1949.

Upon graduation, Alicia moved to Clarion where she worked as a telephone operator.  After marriage, Alicia spent time at Fort Leonard Wood as a military spouse.  When they moved back to Clarion, she was a homemaker for many years before working for DHS where she retired after 25 years of service.

Alicia married George Dean, Jr. June 3, 1950. This union bore 3 children: Gary, Sheryl and Mark.  Alicia and George divorced in 1977.  On December 31, 1986, Alicia married Russell Dean Long in Clarion.  Alicia and Dean traveled annually to Weslaco, Texas where they enjoyed the warmth of the winters there.  They returned to Clarion each spring to enjoy the summer months with family and friends.

Surviving Alicia are her sons, Gary (Diane) Dean and Mark Dean; 6 grandchildren: Bradley (Kallie) Dean of Altoona, Kristalyn (Mike) Goodenbour of Granger, Eric (Holly) Dean of Dexter, Jonathan (Jenna) German of Belmond, Nicholas (Stacey) German of Clarion, and Madeline Dean of England; step-daughter, Stephanie (Tim) Schultz; step-grandsons, Eli Long and Dustin Long; step-granddaughter Brianna Schultz; 12 great-grandchildren: Desiree, Ethan, Paige, Justin, and Brecklyn  German; Emma Haynes-Dean, Maialen, Owen, and Grace, Addilyn and Brooklyn Dean and Lucy Goodenbour.

Preceding Alicia in death are her parents, Peter and Wilma, siblings: Frances ‘Sonny’ (Norma) Ruberg and Harriet (Ken) Siemens; husbands: George Dean and Russell ‘Dean’ Long; daughter Sheryl (Sid) Severson, and grandson Brandon Dean.

Alicia served the community as a member of the Jaycee-ettes, Eastern Star, and the Presbyterian Church.  She also belonged to Navy Mothers, the Federated Club, Knitting Club and the American Home Club.  She was a member of several card clubs and enjoyed singing.  She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren as well as her many friends.