Jean Ann (Melle) Longenecker, 94, of Wimauma, Florida passed away peacefully on February 19, 2021. She was born in Toledo, Ohio on June 8, 1926 to the late Marian (Julius) and Harold Melle. Jean is survived by her beloved husband after 73 years of marriage, Earl Eugene Longenecker. She is also survived by 5 children: Larry (Rosalie), Doug (Sara), Robert (Robin), Steve (Cheryl) and Cheri (Kirk). Earl and Jean have thoroughly enjoyed a full family life with 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Judy Melle Pieper. She was preceded in death by her brother, Harold Melle Jr. and her sister-in-law, Donna (Longenecker) Ross.

After graduating from Libbey High School in 1944, Jean worked in the hospitality and banking industries. The Longenecker's were actively involved in sports, cub scouts, and boy scouts as coaches, Den Mother, organizers and coordinators. With 4 boys in the 1950s and 1960s camping was also part of the lifestyle. Finally, in 1965, they were blessed with their daughter, Cheri. Jean was involved in Eastern Star and a Worthy Mother Advisor in Rainbow Girls.

The Longenecker's also participated in Square Dancing with the Jack May Dancers. Many friends were made at these events and Jean made and sewed most, if not all of their costumes.

Both Earl and Jean were proud of the fact that their retirement years were longer than their working years. The Longenecker's traveled extensively in all 50 states, were frequent cruisers in the Caribbean, and enjoyed the Hard Rock, the Tampa Bay Rays, the Buccaneers, and their church, Emmanuel Community (ECC).  The family requests in lieu of flowers, any donations be given to ECC. They lived in Ranchero Village (Largo, FL) for 35 years.

Jean Ann was an Elvis Presley fan! Her love of Elvis led to the Longenecker's 70 th Anniversary celebration on October 11, 2017 in Las Vegas with many family members. They renewed their Wedding vows in the Elvis Chapel with Elvis acting as officiant and singing Jean's 3 favorites.

Finally, Jean's parting words (paraphrased by Elvis) on her Memorial Card are:

Love me tender, Love me true,

All my dreams fulfilled.

You have made my life complete,

Take me to your heart,

For it is there that I belong,

And we shall never part.

Services will be held on March 10, at 2:00pm at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery Chapel, St. Petersburg, FL.