Obituary
Karen Ruth
Salsgiver Long of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania died peaceably at Mount Nittany
Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania on January 7, 2025 with her
husband at her bedside. Karen was born
July 6, 1941 in Gilpin Twp. (Leechburg, Pennsylvania) to the late Neill and
Jean Rausch Salsgiver. She graduated from Leechburg High School in 1959. She
married the love of her life William (Bill) Long January 2, 1981 in the Old
Stone Church in Monroeville recently celebrating 44 years of marriage.
Together they owned and operated B & K
Ceramics and Ambassador Cards and Gifts in North Versailles, Pennsylvania
before moving to State College. Karen retired in 2004 after 20 plus years in
the Acquisitions Department of the Pattee Paterno Library at Penn State
University. Then after retirement, worked at Barbara’s (now Christine’s)
Hallmark in State College for 6 years. Everyone knew Karen by her unique laugh.
Karen was of
Presbyterian faith belonging to Sampson Mills Church in White Oak Borough where
she loved singing in the choir. When her
children were young, she was a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother in
White Oak. She was secretary for the Glen at Paradise Hills North Condo Owners
Association in Bellefonte. She was an avid reader, doing all kinds of arts,
crafts, and puzzles. She enjoyed going
to Silver Sneakers and playing Mahjong with her girlfriends. She loved dancing
with her husband and enjoyed all sports especially Penn State athletics,
Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins.
In addition to
her husband she is survived by her children, Tammy (Gregg) Purinton of
Pittsburgh and Mark (Debbie deceased) Newman of North Versailles. Also
surviving are 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her
mother-in-law Virginia Riazzi Long of White Oak, brother-in-law Kenny Long and
Eugene Ferraccio with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her late parents,
she was predeceased by her sister Kathleen Ferraccio of North Versailles.
Per Karen’s
wishes there will be no services. Final arrangements will be made by Haky
Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home.
In lieu of
flowers contributions can be made to Bellefonte Food Bank c/o Faith Centre, 131
South Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823
An online
guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at
www.hakygeorgianafh.com.