MONTEITH – Merlene Rae (Long), 64, of Jerome, went to be with the Lord, Our Savior, on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at Windber Hospice. Merlene was born on September 9, 1954 in Connellsville to Rose (Moore) Long of Arbutus Park Manor and the late Merle Long. Merlene is survived her mother; the love of her life, her husband of 43 years, David W. Monteith; the light of her life, her children; David M., married to Jeanette (Crotzer) and Shannon C. Monteith, and the joy of her life, her grandchildren Angenette Mae, David Robert, Tobias James, and Glorianna Rosemary Monteith and Scott Tyler Boele. She is also survived by her estranged sister, Karen (Long) Walat as well as Candy (Loter) Baldwin and Dr. Nikki Panasci whom she loved like daughters. Also survived by step-brothers Jason Dell (Lori Green) and Eugene Dell (Maureen Davis) and their children Ally, Dixie, Libby and Gabriel. She is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Merlene was a 1972 graduate of North Star High School, Boswell. She was employed by Somerset Manufacturing Co. as a seamstress before completing her degree from Cambria-Rowe Business College. She then went to work at Somerset Hospital in administrations and finally to Arbutus Park Manor as a medical secretary. She dearly loved all of her friends at Arbutus and often talked about the fun they had together. Merlene was a very loving mother who enjoyed the chaos of children surrounding her and filling her home. There was not a child she would turn away and she always treated each one as if they were her own. Throughout the years you could find 30 or more children playing in her yard each night. Merlene and her husband would have “Kids Day” each summer and hosted the biggest and best water fights. In her later years, Merlene and her husband enjoyed hosting friends on their front porch where she and Lucy Lappi would practice cheers from their old cheerleading days and much laughter would ensue. She loved her dear friend, Virginia “Ginny” Shroyer and would spend hours laughing with her. She had many friends who she loved dearly, too many to list, who loved her as well. Merlene was a kind soul and she most loved to spend time with her beloved husband, whether it was gardening, watching TV, or going for car rides while singing John Denver songs. She loved spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren who called her “Muma”. Her grandchildren were the joy in her life and they knew that “Muma” never says no! She was a member of the Jerome Nest 556 Polish Falcons. She coached and refereed for AYSO & was a member of Laurel Trinity Lutheran Church, Jennerstown. Merlene’s family would like to thank Melvin and Virginia Shroyer, Terry and Lucy Lappi, Thomas and Bernadette Crotzer, Dennis and Donna Croyle for all the love and care they gave to Merlene and her family throughout her illness. Also, Merlene adored her medical team in Pittsburgh at Magee Women’s Hospital, Dr. Sarah Taylor and Krista Moss, PA-C. The Monteith family would like to thank them for the wonderful care and friendship that they provided. Friends received from 4-7PM Thursday at Hoffman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 109 Church Road, Davidsville. Friends also received from 10AM until time of service 11AM Friday at Laurel Trinity Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Merlene may be made to Arbutus Manor, 207 Ottawa St., Johnstown, PA 15904 or to Windber Hospice, 600 Somerset Ave, Windber, PA 15963. You may also express condolences or plant a memorial tree at HoffmanFuneralHomes.com