A memorial service for Carolyn Diane Salyer Longanacre, 83, of Chickasha will be held at the Ferguson Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.
Carolyn Longanacre passed from this life on October 20, 2017 after a long illness. She was born on January 20, 1934 and grew up in Cement and Chickasha OK.
Upon graduation from Friend High School, Carolyn lived and worked in Oklahoma City, working for several employers including Finger Motor Company and Western Union. She returned to Chickasha to begin working towards her college degree. While attending the Oklahoma College for Women (now USAO) in Chickasha, she met the love of her life, Jim Longanacre, a soldier stationed at Ft. Sill in Lawton, OK. So head-over-heels in love, this couple married after only knowing each other for 6 weeks and were married for 32 years at the time of Jim’s death in 1987 at the age of 54. To this union were born two sons, Kelly Longanacre and Dan Longanacre.
Carolyn was perhaps best known for her deep passion for politics and her unapologetic dedication to her beloved Democratic party. She never wavered in her efforts to convince everyone she met that they should convert to the “right” party if they were not already registered as a Democrat. Even when Jim proposed marriage Carolyn said she didn’t care about his religion but he better assure her he was a Democrat. While she was confined at home due to illness, she kept abreast of all things political, recording and watching her favorite political talk shows every day. During her life, she helped found the Young Democrats of Grady County and served as Election Board Secretary for Grady County for 10 years.
Carolyn was also an avid bridge player known far and wide for both her skills and her proficiency at criticizing those she played against. Woe to the novice player who found themselves cast as her partner! She continued to enjoy the game until her illness prevented her from playing the last few years of her life. Even during that time, she could recall details of games she had played throughout her life and always hoped one day to be able to play again.
She also enjoyed reading, particularly mysteries, gardening and of course, shopping. She was a world class shopper in her day and eventually learned to shop on the internet when she could no longer make it to the mall. In addition to her service as Election Board Secretary, she also delivered Meals on Wheels, stopping only when her health did not allow her to continue.
Carolyn never left you wondering where she stood on any issue. Outspoken and opinionated, she was not hesitant to share those opinions or dive into a lively debate with you on any topic. During her last years, she stayed connected to the world through her iPad, which she fondly referred to as “my FaceBook.” This allowed her to continue to share her opinions with others, often resulting in creating a stir.
Carolyn’s love for politics and bridge were secondary only to her love for her family, both extended and immediate. She particularly adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, singing their praises to anyone who would listen and even those who would not!
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Jim Longanacre, mother Edith Salyer, father Clint Salyer, sister Mary Beth Smith and brother Gary Salyer. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Kelly and Cindy Longanacre, son Dan Longanacre, grandson and wife Josh and Julie Longanacre, grandsons Colby and Clint Longanacre, grand-daughter and husband Kelsey and Barney Karper. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, their families and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to either Mobile Meals or Friend School.
Services and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.