Polly Strong

Polly Colleen Long Strong, 77, of Layton, Utah, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 of a stroke.

She was born November 6, 1938 in Springville, Utah to Alta Boren and James Rudolph Long, the second of five children. A member of the first graduating class of Orem High School in 1956, she afterward pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a wife and mother, and was sealed to Larry Mendon Strong in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple, on March 19, 1959.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Colleen filled many church callings; serving in the Primary, Relief Society, and Scouting programs in a variety of capacities. A dedicated temple patron, she performed endowments in 39 different temples. Six grandsons (three currently) share her devotion and served LDS missions.

Colleen exemplified a life of service. She compassionately cared for her mentally challenged sister for 21 years after their mother died. She gladly watched up to eight of her young grandchildren on any given day, so their parents could go to work. When she decided it was time to slow down, she gave those parents a two-year notice to find other arrangements.

Colleen loved to travel, and visited 44 of the 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. She loved tradition, and celebrating major holidays wasn’t enough. She celebrated every month with her home décor,birthday celebrations, and dinners. A great cook, gardener, and immaculate housekeeper, she loved to camp, birdwatch, and be outdoors. It sometimes seemed she was born 100 years too late, as she would have made an excellent pioneer.

Colleen is survived by her husband of 57 years, Larry; her children Lareen Strong, Byron (Jackie) Strong, Todd (Menah) Strong, Shawn (Stacy) Strong, and Shayleen (John) Salmond; 15 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; brother Clinton Long; sisters Joyce Sauter, and Janet Long. Colleen was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Vaughn D. Long.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Layton Hills Stake Center, 2400 University Park Blvd., Layton.  Friends may visit with family Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 Fairfield Rd. and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.

Thanks to the many physicians, specialists, caregivers, and hospice workers who have supported our family over the past two months.

Thank you grandma, for teaching us to “be good.”