Ellen Marie Long, 80, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Ellen was born on January 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Earl and Norma (Stone) Gotts. She enjoyed many adventures during her lifetime and traveled extensively.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Ernest (Linda) Gotts and Edward
(Shirley) Gotts; and her sister-in-law, Carol Gotts.

On April 12, 1969, she married Ronald Long, in the Ivory Coast of Africa, after meeting in
college at Indiana University. Ellen cherished Ronald and loved their lives together as true partners. Ellen and Ron's only daughter was born in Kampala, Uganda Africa and currently lives in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ellen was a very loving, generous and supportive mother.

Ellen acquired multiple degrees in history and accounting. Ellen was a campus minister at United Campus Ministry and enjoyed working with many students for whom she was a mentor at Central Missouri State University. She later enjoyed her career as a Certified Public Accountant and brought a unique style in being able to communicate very well with her clients.

Ellen loved all things British and for several seasons of life, only watched British television.

She enjoyed shopping at Brits in Lawrence, Kansas and always listened to the Queen's message at Christmas. She also loved to garden and had a beautiful garden in her backyard that she developed and nurtured over many decades. Ellen loved cats and they brought great joy to her life. Ellen's faith was important to her and she lived out her faith in practical and quiet ways.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Erin J. Long; her brother, John Gotts; nephews, Steve (Carol) Gotts, Jeff (Rebecca) Gotts, Greg (Lisa) Gotts, and Gary Gotts; nieces, Katherine Gotts; Jen Mendoza, Linda Atherton, Laura Gotts, Kimberly Gotts and close family friends, Jerry and Kathy Forste, parents of her grandson, Nikolay Forste.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, February 18th, at the First Presbyterian Church of Warrensburg, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to Powell Gardens, Warrensburg Cat Advocates or First Presbyterian Church of Warrensburg.