Anneliese Long

Anneliese Long was born in Karlsruhe, Germany on November 21, 1929, to Karl and Lina Bechtold, and passed away on October 24, 2023. Anneliese was a young girl in Germany during World War II, and she had many stories to tell about the war, including seeing Adolf Hitler face-to-face. She came to America in 1958 on the Queen Elizabeth Ship, and settled in Fithian, IL. She married Carl Pruitt on 10/08/1958, and three months later became a widow due to Carl’s death on 1/9/1959. After Carl’s death, she returned to Germany for a while, and this is where she met American Solider, Arlie Long of Muskogee, OK. She later returned to Fithian, IL to raise her daughter in America, and she started corresponding with Arlie, who was stationed in San Diego. Arlie hitch-hiked all the way from California to Illinois to sweep her back to California with him. Arlie and Ann finally settled in Muskogee, OK and were married November 2, 1962. She later became an American Naturalization Citizen on June 10, 1980. Arlie was one of 9 children, so their days were spent playing a lot of Pitch Card games with the multitude of brother & sister in-laws, while all the cousins-by-the-dozens played at Grandma Maymie’s house. Bar-b-Queuing with her life-long friends Ferris and Ruth Long, and all their family, Kenny, Kathy & Jimmy, Becky, Crystal and Tiffany was a must, and Ann always made the Maggi Salad, because everyone demanded it. Ann loved any kinds of games, and she was always the entertainment committee at Christmas, held her own at Catch Phrase, and she knew how to throw an excellent Easter Egg Hunt. She absolutely loved chocolate, garage sailing, going to the casino, and she never left the house without her jewelry on. She was a member of the American Postal Workers Union Auxiliary and was a candy striper volunteer at Muskogee General Hospital for many years. During the years of the APWU Auxiliary, she made many special friends, where they worked on political campaigns, and she acted as the group’s secretary. She and Arlie attended many conventions and danced the night away. Helen Pride of Muskogee is a special and dear friend that recently mailed cards to Ann just about every day, during her time of struggle. Every day was a race to the mailbox, and every card put a smile on her face. She also looked forward to phone calls from Magda from Germany, so she could speak German and keep up on things happening in her hometown. She is preceded in death by Mother, Lina Emma Bechtold; Father, Karl Ludwig Bechtold; Sister, Lotte Diel; Brother, Herbert Bechtold; her husband, Arlie Edward Long; son, Michael Edward Long. Family survivors include her Two daughters, Silvia Leyh of Oakwood, IL, and Mona Koehn (husband, Lewis) of Muskogee, OK; One nephew, Thomas Bechtold of Bavaria, Germany; One Niece, Lia Murr of Karslruhe, Germany; Five grandchildren – Tracy Saults (husband, Mike) of Danville, IL, Gena Lodas (husband, Kevin) of Danville, IL, Brandon Williams of Muskogee, OK, Megan Long of Honolulu, HI, and Brian Long of Greenfield, IN. Four great grandchildren – Alissa Nixon of Champaign, IL, Hailey Bennet of Champaign, IL, Carlie Jo Reitz of Oakwood, IL, and Bradley Williams of Port Charlotte, FL. The family would like to express a big “Thank You” for all your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Anneliese’s name. Two suggestions are the American Cancer Society or Fort Gibson National Cemetery (pay.gov). Anneliese was a loving wife, mother, Oma, and friend. She might be gone, but never forgotten! Services for Anneliese will be held at a later date. The family of Anneliese Long has entrusted her care and cremation to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home & Crematory, Muskogee. 918-910-8883. Online condolences may be left for her family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Anneliese Long

November 21, 1929 - October 24, 2023