Leatrice Anne Reyher-Long

Lea (Modlin) Reyher-Long, 97, died January 19, 2024 at home surrounded by her family.  Lea was born January 30, 1926 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Fred L. Modlin and Kathryn Hale Modlin.  She lived most of her life in Terre Haute with the exception of 1944-1946 when she lived in Decatur, IL while working for the Houdaille-Hershey war plant, a secret site that created component parts for the Manhattan Project, the U.S. effort to build a nuclear bomb during World War II.

Lea was a 1943 graduate of Otter Creek High School, North Terre Haute, IN. Along with being a lifelong homemaker, she retired from Sears after 20 years and later worked part-time at Eli Lilly. She was a Charter Member and President of the local Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority; former member of the Woman’s Department Club, where she served as Board Secretary and Chair of Hospitality for the Garden and Nature Department.

She was a 25 year member of the Terre Haute Business and Professional Women’s Organization, where she served as Chapter President for two terms; Secretary to the District Director, and was on the State BPW election Committee.

She was Secretary for many years at the former Trinity Methodist Church and leader of the youth group there. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church parish in Terre Haute since 1991 and a member of the Alter Society.

Lea was a special Mother, Mother-in-law, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Wife, Aunt, Sister and dear friend to many. She had a heart of gold. She loved to cook, read, participate in and watch sports all her life. Always active in family life, she genuinely loved helping people, taking care of them when they most needed it and always making everyone feel welcome in her home. No one came through the door who was not fed.  She loved having people in, and she was “Mom” to so many. If she met you, you became family.  Everyone was family!

She was preceded in death by her first husband of 50 years, William B. Reyher and her second husband and life-long friend, Taylor Long, Jr.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Roland Hale Modlin; sisters-in-law Mary Beth Reyher, Betty V. Muncie, Sue Ann Long and Rita Alsop; brothers-in-law Robert F. Reyher, Jack Reyher, George Alsop, Carl Long, Tom Long, Louis Long and Ralph Long; stepsons Jeffrey J. Long and Michael Long.

Survivors include her daughter, Kay Anne Beehler, Terre Haute; sons, Stephen M. Cooksey (Valerie), Annapolis, MD, Mark M. Reyher (Janna), Terre Haute, Michael W. Reyher (Susan), Carrollton, GA, Kehrt C. Reyher (Marzenna), Lelow, Poland and William L. “Billy” Reyher, Carrollton, GA; Grandchildren Dr. Sarah Beehler, Jason Beehler, Esq, Jennifer Acord, Dr. Tammy, Brooke Mervine, Marshall P. Reyher and Taduesz “Teddy” W. Reyher; Great-Grandchildren, Alyssa DePasquale and Gavin Acord; Violet and Rhett Smith-Beehler and many nieces and nephews.

Lea counted among her extended family: Lynneie Decker (Brian) and her family, Taryn Smith, Taylor Decker, Chelceie Decker, Jamie Decker and the late Charles Decker; Alexis Ludi and her daughters, Janet Curtis and Nancy Schooley (Mike), William S. Frankel IV (Jean) and son Liam, Dr. Pamela Thomason, William Vukusich (Tammy), Greg Tyler (Elizabeth), Kenny and Curt Phillips, William Buckingham (Margaret), Mary Smudde (Glenn), Robert Buckingham (G’Ann), JoAnn Ashley (Bart), lifelong friend Helen McLaughlin Rodriguez, the Jim & Amelia Higham family and the Bill & Alice Minger family. Also surviving are her stepchildren, Linda A. Long, Patrick Long (Sandy), Bettie Ann Long, Steve Long, Bridget Boling (Ken), John Long (Debbie) and Bart Long; and brother-in law, Larry Long (Becky).

Visitation will be Friday, January 26, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1804 Poplar Street, T.H., IN. with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12 Noon EST January 26th at St. Patrick’s Church with Father Rick Ginther and Father Todd Riebe officiating. Following Cremation, entombment will be in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Roselawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the St. Patrick’s Soup Kitchen or the Terre Haute Boys & Girls Club.

Services are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47803