In loving memory of

Melinda Long
August 17, 1963 - July 7, 2026

Melinda Terfehn Long, 62, of Gilbert, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Melinda was born on August 17, 1963, and was raised in Ames, Iowa, where she graduated from Ames High School as a member of the Class of 1982.

Melinda was known for her hardworking spirit and caring heart. Her love of KFC started with her first job there and remained with her throughout her life. She treasured memories of growing up in Ames, especially the adventures she shared with her moped gang. As a young mother, she operated a daycare from her home before going on to work for Pella Windows and Doors and Hach Company. During the last nine years of her career, she was self-employed cleaning homes and took great pride in her work, forming meaningful relationships with many of her clients along the way.

Family was at the center of Melinda's life. She married the love of her life, Renny Long, on June 19, 2012, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed camping, vacations, concerts, shopping, decorating for the seasons--especially Halloween--and making memories with those she loved. She loved her puppies, cherished adventures with loved ones, and enjoyed date nights trying new restaurants. Melinda was also known as a fantastic cook whose meals brought family and friends together.

Melinda was preceded in death by her parents Mary Shupe and Paul Terfehn, and her brother David Terfehn, Sr.

She is survived by her loving husband, Renny Long; her children (and grandchildren), Angie and Andy McCormick - children, Ava, Ella, Carter; Justin and Katelyn Braland - children Kelsey, Kinsley, Jordan; and Kellie and Grant Fliss -children Camren, Grady, Keegan. Her sister Victoria and Justin Howarth - children Vivienne Howarth, Kyle, Ethan, Hailey, Kendall Veum; along with many extended family members and friends.
Her brother David's children David, Jr., Amber, Ashley, and Shawnee.

Melinda's greatest joy was bringing family together. Her love, kindness, and dedication to those around her will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 9, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Parlor at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa. In honor of Melinda's love of family, friends, and making memories together, the family invites those whose lives she touched to share a favorite story, memory, or photo. Stories and photos may be emailed to rememberingmkl@gmail.com, brought in printed form, or shared on notecards that will be available at the Celebration of Life. The family looks forward to collecting these special memories in celebration of Melinda's life.

"Love you for all the days and all the nights."

A favorite message shared between Melinda and Renny.

Tributes

Billie strickler wrote on Jul 14, 2026:

"Mel and I met when we were 14..we worked at A &W together and road all over town on our mopeds. We would even ride on hwy 30 to Twin Acres beach...We saw the movie Grease at least 40 times and our moped gang bought shiny jackets at Paul Harris ( just like the Pink Ladies). In the summer we cruised campus on our mopeds and knew when Football Camps were going on and when the cute boys would be out all over campus...As we grew older and went our separate ways...each time we saw each other we gave a hug and did a little catching up. She was a wonderful friend!! She will be missed@"

Deb Lage wrote on Jul 14, 2026:

"Melinda was my 1st Best Friend, we grew up together almost like sisters. I had 5 of my own, but she didn?t? we would spend the night at each other?s houses more times than I can count, but more at hers than mine? obviously ? because I had 5 sisters and 2 brothers at home! Our Dad?s bowled on the same Bowling League and so it wasn?t a stretch to find me at her house on a Saturday Morning watching All Star Wrestling with her Dad and brother. As we grew older we loved listening to music and with that our Love for the teen idols started showing up in posters on our walls? first Shawn Cassidy, then Leif Garrett ? Once we were old enough the mopeds were a must for an 8th grader and we made the most of our freedom. We rode all over Ames, there wasn?t a road we had not covered with friends that we dubbed the Mooed Gang! Though the most driven road was the one from her house to the A&W restaurant where we both worked. So many friends made there that would shape our lives. Some of those girls were old enough to drive a car ?? Our families went to St Andrew?s Church and so we were in the same Sunday School classes and were even Confirmed together along with so many of the friends that we still have kept in touch with. My family moved north of Ames in late 1978 and so I also changed jobs to work closer to home. We were still in each others lives but the school and sports groups were different. I missed the daily interactions with my cousin but we still kept in touch and rooted each other on. She got married before me and I was so excited to watch them Welcome their two children and go visit as often as I could. Life went on but then we ended up with children in the same school district, and so we were in more direct contact again ?? Melinda was such a Beautiful girl who grew up into a Gorgeous Young Lady and then a Mom and she Absolutely Loved and doted in her kids. There was not a thing that she would not do for her kids and for her Grandkids once they came along. As we grew older we started grabbing dinners together with Renny and my Aunt Val and Uncle Don and any family members who could also join us trying out different restaurants, the Mexican Restaurants always made the top of the list for us ? For those of us who knew her Best She had such a Beautiful smile and I will remember that and her kind Heart forever ??"