Katherine Norine Long (“Misko-Benaisee-Equay” which means Red Bird Woman) entered the Spirit World on January 11, 2008 at her home in Red Lake, MN. She was 52 years old. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Lake. Lay pastoral minister Mike McNeil will officiate. A wake will start on Monday evening after 4 p.m. at the Little Rock Community Center near Red Lake. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The service is entrusted to the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji.

Casket bearers will be Kevin Graves, Gary Long, Shaun Martin, Brad Long Jr., Sam Hill, Darwin Strong, Charles Martin III, Charles Martin II and Jerome Strong. Honorary bearers will be Carla LeJeunesse, Jackie Sayers, Sherry Erickson, Shelly Grandbois, Connie Frank, Andrea Rosebear, Rhonda Rosebear, Carol Schoenborn, Joanie Neadeau, Flavia “Babe” Stately, Elsie Kingbird, Verna Kingbird and Mardell Iceman.

Kathy was the gifted daughter of Patrick (Zow-bah-tise) Long Sr. (Bear Clan) and Elizabeth (Mah-koonce) Long (Loon Clan). She was a very strong, warm-hearted and giving person. She lived her life to the fullest and to the extent of her capabilities. She enjoyed being with her Anishinabe people, always laughing and enjoying the Anishinabe humor, this was a small part of her healing.

During her time her on Earth, Kathy worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for a number of years in Minneapolis. She was also an employee for the Warroad Casino. Katy was a hard and dedicated worker. She enjoyed her home in Little Rock; some of her favorite things to do included solving puzzles, watching television, listening to good ole country music, making homemade bread, cooking, going to Pow-wows and making Native crafts. She also enjoyed being at her second home at River Road Casino, and other gaming enterprises.

Kathy is survived by her brothers: Charles Martin Sr., Patrick Long Jr., Bradley Long, Ronald Long and Larry Long; sister Barbara Willett; and very special friend Fred Kingbird. She was preceded in death by her three children, her parents, her husband Darrell Hobson, aunt and uncle Julia and George Whitefeather; and numerous nephews, nieces and other family.

Online guest book at www.olsonschwartzfuneralhome.com