Lillian Maria Ketchum DeLong

Lillian Maria (Ketchum) DeLong, 97, devoted wife, mother and grandmother, returned to her heavenly home on July 13, 2026. Lillian was born on March 25, 1929, in Tallahassee, Florida, to the late John Henry and Illa Dell (Glover) Ketchum. She was the beloved sister to Charles, Barbara Jean, and Betty Ruth. Lillian attended Leon High School, where she proudly served as a majorette in the marching band. After graduation, she worked part time for the Southeastern Telephone Company while attending Florida State Women's College before its transition to Florida State University. Lillian met the love of her life, Richard Orman DeLong, in October of 1948 when she went to buy her first car. Richard was an auditor at the Ford dealership, and what began as a chance meeting became a lifelong love story. They were married that winter and went on to share 65 wonderful years of marriage. Lillian found great joy in being a homemaker and in caring for Richard and their daughter, Donna. During Richard's military service, the family was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, where Lillian embraced the adventure of living abroad and exploring Europe. As the family grew, she embraced her role as grandmother with the same love and devotion, delighting in cooking, hosting family gatherings, and welcoming friends into her home for holidays and special occasions. Lillian was deeply involved in her community. As a military spouse and later through her church and retirement communities, she faithfully served others. She and Richard traveled with the Texas Baptist Builder's Association (Building for the Glory of God) and helped build more than one hundred churches throughout the state of Texas. Lillian read through the entire Bible each year for many years, and she enjoyed sharing her faith through Vacation Bible School and Sunday School classes. Lillian is survived by her daughter Donna (DeLong) Wolak; her granddaughter Jeannette (Wolak) Luna; and her nieces Lisa (Gibbs) Alonso and Debra (Ketchum) Schiller, and other loving family members. She is now joyfully reunited with her parents; her beloved husband, Richard; her siblings; and her grandson Edward Joseph Wolak III. A graveside service for Lillian will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Oakland Cemetery. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

Tributes

Lillian Maria Ketchum DeLong

March 25, 1929 - July 13, 2026