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.