Karen Ruth Salsgiver Long

Obituary

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 12, 2025

Karen Ruth Salsgiver Long of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania died peaceably at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania on January 7, 2025 with her husband at her bedside.  Karen was born July 6, 1941 in Gilpin Twp. (Leechburg, Pennsylvania) to the late Neill and Jean Rausch Salsgiver. She graduated from Leechburg High School in 1959. She married the love of her life William (Bill) Long January 2, 1981 in the Old Stone Church in Monroeville recently celebrating 44 years of marriage.

Together they owned and operated B & K Ceramics and Ambassador Cards and Gifts in North Versailles, Pennsylvania before moving to State College. Karen retired in 2004 after 20 plus years in the Acquisitions Department of the Pattee Paterno Library at Penn State University. Then after retirement, worked at Barbara’s (now Christine’s) Hallmark in State College for 6 years. Everyone knew Karen by her unique laugh.

Karen was of Presbyterian faith belonging to Sampson Mills Church in White Oak Borough where she loved singing in the choir.  When her children were young, she was a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother in White Oak. She was secretary for the Glen at Paradise Hills North Condo Owners Association in Bellefonte. She was an avid reader, doing all kinds of arts, crafts, and puzzles.  She enjoyed going to Silver Sneakers and playing Mahjong with her girlfriends. She loved dancing with her husband and enjoyed all sports especially Penn State athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins.

In addition to her husband she is survived by her children, Tammy (Gregg) Purinton of Pittsburgh and Mark (Debbie deceased) Newman of North Versailles. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her mother-in-law Virginia Riazzi Long of White Oak, brother-in-law Kenny Long and Eugene Ferraccio with many nieces and nephews. In addition to her late parents, she was predeceased by her sister Kathleen Ferraccio of North Versailles. 

Per Karen’s wishes there will be no services. Final arrangements will be made by Haky Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Bellefonte Food Bank c/o Faith Centre, 131 South Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823

An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com.

Originally published January 12, 2025.

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