Mildred "Midge" Lynnel Long

Mildred “Midge” Lynnel Long, 88, of Nowata, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025. Born in Colcord, Oklahoma, Midge made her home in Nowata for most of her life, where she built deep roots, lasting friendships, and a family who adored her.

Midge was a wonderful and loving mother, grandmother, and most recently a proud great-grandmother. She had an easy warmth and a naturally social spirit, yet she also cherished the comforts of home — especially her favorite couch and a good old western on TV. Her family will forever remember her gentle humor, her love of conversation, and the joy she found in simply being close to the people she loved.

She cherished her Cornerstone Church family deeply, finding strength, fellowship, and lifelong friendships within her faith community.

When her daughter Cheryl and son-in-law Rick moved to Nowata to open a veterinary clinic, Midge joined the workforce for the first time in many years, serving as Rick’s surgical assistant. She embraced the role wholeheartedly. She loved people, she loved animals, and she especially loved the chance to be part of the work her family cared about.

Midge is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Reid and husband Rick, and Lisa Balkman and husband Bart; four grandchildren, J.C. Reid, Paul Reid and wife Rebecca, Cole Balkman and wife Danae, and Bryce Balkman; and her great-granddaughter, Elle Reid.

Special Thanks

Cheryl and Lisa wish to express their deepest gratitude to the nurses at Ascension Hospital in Nowata for their exceptional compassion and attentiveness, and to Dr. Caughell for his many years of dedicated care.

They also offer heartfelt thanks to Midge’s in-home caregivers — Heather Hughes, Cheyenne Reese, Melissa Goodpaster and Kathy Lewis — whose patience, kindness, and devoted care brought comfort and peace to their mother.

In her later years, Midge became reacquainted with Gene Vanover, a cherished friend from her school days in Jay, Oklahoma. After both had lost their spouses, they reconnected and found comfort, companionship, and renewed joy in one another’s lives. Their frequent phone calls—filled with reminiscing, laughter, and shared memories—became a treasured part of her days.

A reception will follow at the home of Rick & Cheryl Reid, 13572 EW 24 Rd., Nowata, Oklahoma 74048

In Lieu of Flowers; Donations may be made to the Flora/Grigsby/Reid Hospital Fund via the Nowata Community Foundation:

PO Box 203, Nowata, OK 74048

A Life Well Loved

Thank you for joining the family in honoring the life of Mildred “Midge” Lynnel Long.