Shirley M. Delong

Shirley Mae (Davis) DeLong, 97, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2024 at Mifflin Court. She was the loving wife of the late Ralph DeLong. They married on August 22, 1944, and shared 69 years of marriage together.

Born in Temple on June 21, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Miles H. and Emma (Graeff) Davis. Shirley was a 1944 graduate of Shillington High School. She worked for Wilson Safety Products for 36 years, and then at CNA Insurance until her retirement in 1997. She was a proud member of the Reading Rose Society. Shirley held her faith closely and was a devout member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Reading.

Shirley's life was filled with family and friends, all whom she treasured dearly. If you met Shirley, chances are you would become her lifelong friend. In her younger years, she enjoyed gardening, especially tending to her rose bushes, playing cards, dancing and spending time with her sweet doggy, Suzette. Shirley was always dressed to impress, rarely leaving home without sporting a pair of high heels and her favorite jewelry. During her time at Mifflin Court, Shirley managed to steal the hearts of the staff with her charming wit, smile and colorful personality. She enjoyed playing bingo, daily activities at the center, and sing-a-longs.

Those left to cherish Shirley's memory are her sister-in-law, Deborah Bewley, wife of the late Carl Davis, of Reading; niece, Jennifer Smith, wife of Glenn Smith, of Lebanon; Godchild, Sandra Tradewell, wife of the late William Tradewell, of Wyomissing; great niece, Kelly Osenbach; great nephew, Jared Davis; and countless extended family and friends. She is predeceased by her two brothers, Norman M. Davis and Carl M. Davis; as well as her nephew, Randall M. Davis, whom she loved as a son.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Kuhn Funeral Home, West Reading. The viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church at 1015 Windsor St, Reading, PA 19604. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc.is honored to serve Shirley's family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.