Mary Ellen Stufflebean

Mary Ellen Long Stufflebean, 89, of Springfield, Mo., formerly of Clear Lake, died Monday, April 17, 2017, at 12:30 a.m. in Springfield.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, with Pastor Ed Bard officiating. Burial was in Clear Lake Cemetery.

Family suggests memorial contributions to the Clear Lake Friendly Garden Club.

Mary Ellen was born Oct. 20, 1927, the daughter of Howard and Minnie (Wafler) Olson in Dwight, Kan.  She graduated from Clear Lake High School and married Victor “Mel” Long on May 19, 1945 in Clear Lake.

Mary Ellen worked for the Clear Lake School District as a secretary for 31 years, retiring in 1989.  She was a member of Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Women of Moose Lodge, in Mason City, and the Eagles Club, in Mason City, and Rebekah’s, in Clear Lake.  She loved to travel and do handwork.

During retirement, she and Mel traveled to Arizona and Texas.  He preceded her in death on June 28, 2002.  She later married Clifford Stufflebean on May 29, 2003, in Eureka Springs, Ariz.

Mary Ellen is survived by two children, Harvey (Judy) Long, of Lake Geneva, Wis., Judith Merriss, of Lake Geneva, Wis. and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Mel and Clifford; and a brother, Alfred Olson.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.