Mintie “Pearl” DeLong, 101, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 11:51 a.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Wabash, surrounded by the family she so dearly loved. Born on June 20, 1924, in East Point, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Keary “Kay” and Lillie (Davis) Smith. From her earliest years, Pearl was shaped by the values of hard work, faith, and devotion to family—principles she carried with her throughout her long and meaningful life.
Pearl graduated from Meade Memorial High School in 1942, a milestone she cherished and often reflected on with pride. On November 22, 1943, she married the love of her life, Alvis DeLong, in Auxier, Kentucky. Their marriage was a partnership built on mutual respect, shared purpose, and deep affection. They built a life together that took them to Indiana, where they raised their family and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the steady presence of Pearl’s gentle spirit. Alvis preceded her in death on December 4, 1976, and Pearl carried his memory with her for the rest of her days.
A dedicated and hardworking woman, Pearl spent many years employed at Wabash Magnetics, where she formed lasting friendships and earned the respect of her coworkers. Even as she worked outside the home, she remained a devoted homemaker, pouring her energy into creating a household where everyone felt welcome and cared for. Pearl’s faith was a guiding force in her life. She attended Treaty Church of Christ and was a former member of Bachelor Creek Church of Christ. Her quiet strength, kindness, and steadfast belief in God were evident in the way she lived—always with humility, gratitude, and a heart open to others.
She was exceptionally talented with her hands, especially as a seamstress. Sewing and quilting were not just hobbies for Pearl; they were expressions of love. She created countless quilts for her family—each one stitched with care, patience, and the desire to give something lasting and meaningful. Her quilts became treasured heirlooms, symbols of her creativity and the deep affection she held for those around her. Pearl also enjoyed crocheting, reading, and working puzzles, finding joy in the simple, peaceful moments of daily life. More than anything, Pearl loved her family. Time spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended relatives brought her the greatest happiness. She was the heart of her family—steady, loving, and endlessly generous. Her presence made every gathering warmer, every milestone more meaningful, and every ordinary day a little brighter. Pearl lived more than a century, witnessing remarkable changes in the world while remaining true to the values that defined her. Her life was a testament to resilience, devotion, and the quiet power of kindness. Those who knew her will remember her gentle smile, her unwavering love, and the countless ways she enriched the lives of others. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the quilts she lovingly crafted, and the many lives she touched with her warmth and grace.
She is survived by four children, Brenda Kay Coble of Wabash, Alva Lynne (Joe) Getz of LaFontaine, Indiana, James (Linda) DeLong of Wabash, and Elizabeth “Libby” (Joe) Cook of Lagro, Indiana; grandchildren, Christopher (Pam) Coble, Lisa (John) Huston, and Steffany (Dan) Pegg, all of Wabash, Jolene (Jared) Schultz of LaFontaine, Jim Getz of Wabash, Aaron (Amy) DeLong of Porter, Indiana, Chad DeLong of Wabash, Amanda (Jason) Lyons and Nathan (Jess) Cook, both of Lagro, Scott (Kim) Benjamin of Roswell, Georgia, Mike (Molly) Benjamin and Robert Benjamin, both of White Lake, Michigan; 20 great-grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark) Shoemaker, Alex (Kayla Owsley) Huston, Candace (Mark Semprini) Coble, Courtney (Heath) Wrisk, Jessica (Brandon) Schultheiss, Danielle (Luca) Ruby, J.D. Schultz, Gwen Getz, Maggie Benjamin, Carson Benjamin, Grant Benjamin, Claire Benjamin, Brady DeLong, Bethany DeLong, Emily DeLong, Ashley Lyons, Mason Lyons, Logan Lyons, Gage Cook, and Miles Cook; 10 great-great-grandchildren, Brody Overlander, Avery Shoemaker, Cecelia Shoemaker, Parker Wrisk, Asher Wrisk, Rhyatt Schultheiss, Madden Schultheiss, Roslyn Schultheiss, Kingsley Huston and Sophia Semprini; and her sister, Margarette Honeycutt of Wabash. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Barbara Sue Benjamin; son-in-law, Harvey Coble; brothers, Deward and Merle Smith; and sisters, Carrie Music, Betty Smith, and Bonnie Castle.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Friday, March 6, 2026, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Joel Cogdell officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call Thursday, March 5, 2026, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is Wabash County Cancer Society.
The family would like to thank the staff at Wellbrooke of Wabash for all of the care that Pearl received.
The memorial guest book for Pearl may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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