Rita Long

Rita Long, 90, of Strawberry passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023 in Batesville. She was born October 14, 1932 in Jerusalem, Arkansas to John and Floy (Smith) Freeman. She was a foster mother having fostered 355 children of which she adopted one. She was of the Church of Christ faith and attended the Strawberry Church of Christ. She was once awarded Foster Parent of the Year for Arkansas.  Rita loved family gatherings, fishing and spending time with her grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert L. (R.L.) Long; one son, Robert P. Long; two daughters, Shelia Long and Pamela D. Smith; two brothers, James Freeman and David Freeman; and one granddaughter, Joyce Lynn Smith.

Survivors include her son, Waymon Long (Kathleen) of Batesville; one daughter, Sharon Gilliam (Hershel) of Black Rock; one adopted daughter, Brandi Long of Sidney; one brother, Mike Freeman of Little Rock; ten grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and twenty-four great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Qualls Funeral Home Chapel with Mitch Bell officiating. Burial will follow in the Union Cemetery with arrangements by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Hershel Gilliam, Robert Gilliam, Jordan Long, Tyler Long, Cal Siler, Lathan Gilliam and Matthew Smith.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Smith and Steve Davis.