Ronald Gene Long, age 87, of Marysville, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 6, 2025 at The Bluebird Retirement Community with his beloved family at his side. He was a dedicated 30-year associate of Select Sires, Inc. in Plain City, where he retired in 2003 as Vice-President of Genetic Programs. He developed the Select Mating Service (SMS) and served as Director of Sire Procurement and Type Evaluation programs. His expertise in dairy cattle judging took him to local county fairs, and national and international events, namely The International Holstein Show at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. As a judge, classifier and representative of Select Sires, he traveled to every state in the U.S. and 29 countries in six continents.
A 1956 graduate of Miamisburg High School, Ron earned his bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science at The Ohio State University in 1960. After graduation, he returned to his family dairy farm, where he and his new bride, Karen, developed a registered herd of Holstein cattle. In 1969, he became an official classifier for the U. S. Holstein Friesian Association, launching his career in dairy cattle management.
Ron was honored with membership on the Holstein Association of America’s Genetic Index Committee, was past president of the National Dairy Shrine and recognized as a Hall of Service Honoree OSU Dept. of Dairy Science. He was a member of Milford Center United Methodist Church, Urbana Country Club (past president), Union County Master Gardener and volunteered for 15 years with Memorial Hospital Mobile Meals. In retirement, he devoted himself to what he fondly called his “four G’s” – golfing, gardening, grandkids and grandma. He took great pride in the care of his home and property, and above all, in his family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
Born October 27, 1938 in Dayton, Ohio , Ron grew up on the family farm in Miamisburg. It was during his involvement in 4-H where he met the love of his life, “the farmer’s daughter,” Karen Sue Blauser. They were married on November 26, 1960 at the EUB Church in Vandalia. Affectionately known as “Ronnie” to family and friends, he was “Papa Ronnie” to his great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Roland and Marie Mockabee Long, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Long; brothers-in-law, Mike Blauser and Bart Blauser; and sister- and brother-in-law, Linda and Tom Louis.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Karen Sue Blauser Long; his daughters, Sheryl J. “Sherri” Long (Bill) Anderson of Galena, Shelley J. Long (Harvey) Kiley of Senoia, Georgia and Rhonda K. Long (Steve) LeRoy of Hilliard; his grandchildren, Halie (Eric) Best, Natalie Anderson, Charlie (Amy) Kiley, Bart (Remy) Kiley, Caroline (Thomas) Smith, Sam Kiley, Sarah (Jackson) Palmquist and Maggie (Justin Rodgers) LeRoy; his great-grandchildren, Clara, Lucy, Leo, Charlie, Nathan, Audrey, Kennedy, Annika, Jayce, Josie and Scarlett; his sister, Jane Silcox of Springboro and his brother, Roger (Mary) Long of Germantown; his sisters-in-law, Sue Long of Miamisburg, Barbara Cox of Beavercreek, Dora Blauser of Bradford and Jaci Blauser of Kempner, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Underwood Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the funeral home, with Rev. Pamela Connolly officiating. Burial will follow at Union Township Cemetery in Milford Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Ronald G. Long Scholarship, in care of The Union County Foundation, to support students pursuing careers in agriculture. www.unioncountyfoundation.org
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.
Be the first to comment