Betty Jo DeLong

October 5, 1923 ~ July 11, 2021
She was born October 5, 1923 in Sheridan, Wyoming, the daughter of the late Sylvester and Louise “Lois” (Backus) Meyer. Due to illness suffered by her birth parents, B.J. was adopted by Grover and Iva Hargrove and raised in Severy and Arkansas City, Kansas. She was able to connect and maintain long lasting ties with her birth relatives and adoptive relatives.
B.J. graduated from Severy High School. She was voted school queen and most likely to succeed in her 1941 high school graduating class. B.J. attended Wichita Business College and perfected her shorthand and typing skills at Adela Hale Business College. Following her graduation from Adela Hale, she became a public stenographer. B.J. took additional courses at the University of Missouri and Lincoln University in Business Law and Accounting.
She was united in marriage on June 27, 1942, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Hutchinson, Kansas to Frederick Joseph DeLong who preceded her in death on February 15, 1996.
In 1944, B.J. and her husband founded DeLong’s Inc. B.J. ran the office answering the phone, taking orders, doing payroll, and occasionally driving the truck to make local deliveries or pick up supplies. B.J. took a leave of absence to raise their children but remained as corporate secretary for over 50 years and still served on the DeLong’s Incorporated Board of Directors.
B.J. was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where she had been involved with the I.C. school during her children’s tenure. She was president of the Home and School Association, a den mother and Girl Scout leader. She became a member of the I.C. Circle and a Lady of the Holy Sepulcher.
Her community involvement reflects her father’s words that such service to others builds character and happiness. She gave her time to help create and serve on the first Environmental Quality Commission for Jefferson City, member of the Board of Directors for the Cole County Historical Foundation and was active in the Historic City of Jefferson Organization, St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, Jefferson City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, served as President of Hawthorn Garden Club, the Jefferson City Country Club Women’s Golf Association, and the Marathon Bridge group.
In 1974, she received the American Association of University Women award for Environmental Improvements and in 2001, the William Quigg Award for Lifetime Leadership. She is a nationally accredited landscape design critic and has used her expertise to help beautify downtown Jefferson City with benches and trees.
In 2004, B.J. received the Hope award from the Historical Society for writing the story of DeLong’s Inc. found in the book “Missouri Crossroads of the Nation.” The Jefferson City Zonta Club presented B.J. with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2019 Yellow Rose Luncheon.
As a lasting legacy for Jefferson City, B.J. donated a portion of her assets, to construct the Bicentennial Bridge to Adrian’s Island for the development of the riverfront park for Jefferson City.
B.J. loved her family, friends, and community. She was a role model for many in her family and our community. She stressed the importance of punctuality, honesty, and integrity. Giving back was something she believed in and did. B.J. considered herself the glue that held her family together. She had a resolute love of life. B.J. had many dear friends and had the capacity to make a friend with people of all walks of life from the “get go.”
Survivors include her children, F. Joe DeLong, III (partner Marcia Willing), of Jefferson City; Mozelle DeLong Bielski, of Jefferson City; Gregory (Debbie) DeLong, Springfield, MO & Seminole, FL; eight grandchildren, Joseph DeLong IV, Morgan DeLong (Ben) Costello, Kelsey DeLong (Ben Musholt), Chase (Rachel) DeLong, Ben Walter Joseph Bielski, Stephen DeLong, Mozelle DeLong, Christopher DeLong; step-grandchild, Alex Cook; six great-grandchildren, Emerson Ann Costello, Dylan Elizabeth Costello, Wells DeLong Costello, Grayson DeLong Musholt, Madison DeLong Musholt, and Rose Wedlen DeLong; and her close friend and caregiver, Lisa Blankenship.
She was preceded in death by her birth and adoptive parents; her husband, Frederick Joseph DeLong; her sisters, Bernice Hargrove and Jeanette Kelly; and Jim DeLong who was raised by Joe and B.J. from age nine.
Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, July 18, 2021, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home in Jefferson City.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Donald Antweiler officiating. The service will be live streamed for those who wish to watch from home. The link can be found on B.J.’s obituary page under Tribute Wall at www.dulletrimble.com.
Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Bicentennial Bridge Project. Checks can be made payable to Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Foundation, 1299 Lafayette Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101 (memo line: Memorial for B.J.).
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
With heartfelt condolences,
We are thinking of you.
We have your family in our thoughts and prayers. Much love, Brad & Paige Tuck and family
Our warmest condolences,
Our deepest condolences. We share in your sorrow. We will ever have the fondest memories of her.
From the Burleigh Arnold family. Our respect and deepest sympathy.
With deepest sympathy,
Please accept our deepest sympathy from the Pratt family to Mozelle, Greg , Joe and their families. Betty Jo’s passing has triggered wonderful memories of growing up in the neighborhood. Her leadership, generosity and class are a great example for all.
Joe and family, Steve and Bev send their thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time…… Steve Cearlock
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Mrs. DeLong was a kind person and an astute businesswoman. Our community was blessed by her presence. Jean Feather
My sincere condolences to Joe, Kelsey, Morgan and the entire family for you loss. I’m sure BJ will be remembered by the entire community for the contributions she and your family have made for our betterment. She has left quite a legacy I’m sure you’re very proud of. Kim & Gary Marshall
Joe, so sorry for your loss. Your mother was an amazing person. Sorry I will not be able to make it to the services. Hang in there and see you on the course. Doug Buschjost
Thoughts and prayers for the Delong family from Alan & Betty Mudd. I remember with great fondness many meetings with BJ at her home. She was always gracious and very inspiring. Her kindness and generosity will always be remembered.
Cliff and I are so sorry for your loss. Greg, Mozelle & Joe, you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Your mother was an amazing woman and she will be greatly missed.Cathy Monaco Moore
Joe, sorry about the loss of your mother. She was truly a wonderful lady and Jefferson City will not be the same without her. God bless. Dan and Debra Mathes
Greg: Please accept our deepest heartfelt sympathy for your mother’s passing. She was a very special person, always helping in many city projects. She will go down in Jeff City history as one of the very best. If we had city royalty she would definitely be at the top. God bless us all & may she rest in peace. Semper Fidelis.
My heartfelt sympathy goes to my longtime friend, Greg DeLong, and the entire DeLong family. With the passing of Betty Jo “B.J.” DeLong, the City of Jefferson has lost a legendary friend and benefactor. Her birth and being orphaned in Wyoming, only about 30 years after that territory became a State, adds to Betty’s amazing life story. How very appropriate that a woman, who with her husband started a business that became a major manufacturer of bridge making steel, would headline the Bicentennial Bridge to Adrian’s Island Park project. God bless her and may she rest in peace! Alan Wright, Pawleys Island, SC
Lit a candle in memory of Betty Jo DeLong