Rhea Louise DeLong

Rhea Louise DeLong, 97, of Hillsboro, passed away the evening of Sunday, August 17, 2025. She was born March 18, 1928, in Waverly, IL, a daughter of Walter Allen “Slim” and Gladys Marie (Fox) McCready. She married Edwin Russell DeLong August 4, 1945, in Jacksonville, IL. He preceded her in death September 2, 2000. Mrs. DeLong was a former business owner, owning and operating the Waverly Flower Shop in Waverly for several years, and a dog grooming business in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. She was known as an excellent cook, enjoyed collecting cookbooks, and decorating cakes for several large events. Additionally, she enjoyed flower gardening, arts and crafts, and her beloved pets. Mrs. DeLong was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Hillsboro.

She is survived by:

Son, Forrest “Wally” (Pamela) DeLong of Taylor Springs

Sister, Betty Lou (Van) Sims of Chatham

Grandson, Christopher DeLong, Lt. Col. (ret), USMC

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. DeLong was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Richard Dale McCready, Don Juan McCready, and a brother in infancy.

Funeral services for Mrs. DeLong will be held Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1001 Rountree St., Hillsboro. Rev. Mike Plummer will officiate. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Family and friends are invited to lunch provided by the Calvary Church family immediately after the service, before departure to the committal service at Waverly East Cemetery in Waverly. Memorials may be directed to Calvary Baptist Church.

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