Berta Long

Known as "Sis" to all family and close friends, Berta Theone Long passed on October 2, 2024. Berta was born May 24, 1943, in Marion, Indiana, to Raymond Lamoine Detamore and Virginia Nell (Endsley) Detamore. To the surprise of her parents, baby number two, a boy, Burtis Theron "Sonny" Detamore, was born 23 minutes later. The close duo was always referred to as "The Twins".

This feisty little girl always had a way of making everyone laugh. Even as an adult, she always was entertaining by breaking out into song, wearing a silly hat, or flashing jewelry. Sis was always having fun. She was known as the lady that raced her electric scooter all over Upland in the few years preceding her passing.

She graduated from Jefferson Twp. High School in 1961, in Upland, where she grew up. Known as a talented athlete, Sis went to Ball State University where she excelled in girls' basketball, averaging 23 points a game. She would go on to be a tournament golfer, a trophied bowler, and a graduate from the Marion Police Academy in 1995. As a teen she also won a partner dance contest, with her high school sweetheart.

Sis worked at Val Department store in Muncie, Indiana, where she advanced to the position of "Toy Buyer". She enjoyed traveling to toy expos and selecting Christmas stock for the store. It was a great fit for her personality. After years of working at Foster Forbes, she took early retirement to be a stay-at-home mother. She was a fan of Red Skelton, Lawrence Welk, Patti Page, and Shirley Temple.

Berta was always known for her generosity. If you needed a little money or you were struggling with mowing your yard, she would offer her help with a smile, jump in, and finish the job. She was beloved by her nieces and nephews who delighted in her songs and playfulness. They were treated to toys and adventures at every opportunity. Going with Aunt Sissy was the best of times, whether on a boat or doing donuts in the car in a grassy or snow-covered lot - at the cost of many transmissions!

In 1975, she was blessed with a daughter, and only child, Katrina Marie Lewis, the love of her life. Katrina's four children brought Sis such joy. Elea, Livia, Adria, and Beau, were so loved by Grammy! She will be remembered by them as a constant playmate who provided an endless supply of bubbles and balls, and as a constant Facetime companion. She was their favorite cook and made Christmas magical. She will be remembered by them in her many acappella songs, but mainly "You Are My Sunshine" and "Back Home Again in Indiana".

Family members include Berta's twin brother, Burtis Theron Detamore, and sister, Lamona Detamore Miller, both of Marion; nieces, Holly Baker of Hidden Hills, CA, Heather Kelleher of Carmel, Julie Barrett of St Pete Beach, FL; nephews, Hadley Martin, Lenoir City, TN, Barry Barrett of Aspinwall, PA, Brad Detamore of Boise, ID; great-nieces, Alex Baker, Brooke Martin, and Gemma Kelleher; great-nephews, Billy Joe Baker, Hawk Martin, and Graham Kelleher.

Deceased relatives in addition to Berta's parents include: Husband, Dr. Max Long, Sister, Demona, Brother-in-law, Verle Barrett, Brother-in-law, Thomas T. Miller, and Nephew Halden Martin.

Arrangements for Berta have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 259 North Main Street, Upland, Indiana 46989, where a visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Van Buren Cemetery.

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.