It is with deep sorrow and love that we share the unexpected passing of Olivia Watley Long, 79, of Ellisville, Missouri, on October 1, 2025. Olivia was a woman of quiet strength, boundless compassion, and steadfast devotion to her family, a light in the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness, humility, and grace will continue to inspire and endure.
A celebration of Olivia’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Hoffmeister South County Chapel, with interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Friends and loved ones are welcome to attend the visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m., prior to the service.
Born on February 21, 1946, in Voth, Texas, Olivia was the daughter of Augustin and Felicitas Sanchez. Raised in a warm, close-knit family, she carried with her the values instilled during childhood — love, faith, generosity, and the joy of togetherness. Those early bonds helped shape the deeply caring and thoughtful woman she became.
Olivia was preceded in death by her first husband, James Monroe Watley; her parents; and her beloved siblings: Carmen Wallace, Dorothy Means, Vera Dugger, Joe Sanchez, Jesse Sanchez, Paul Sanchez, and Roy Sanchez.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Richard Long; her devoted daughter, Stefanie Osiek, and son-in-law, Todd Osiek; stepsons Michael (Marybeth) Long, Jonathan (Kimberly) Long, and her treasured grandchildren, Alicia Osiek and Aaron Osiek, who brought immense joy and pride to her life. She is also survived by her sister, Amelia (Travis) McKee; her brother, Augustine Jr. (Shirley) Sanchez; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished life-long friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Olivia’s life was a reflection of her heart: steady, generous, and full of quiet joys. Whether gathered around the dinner table, cheering for her grandchildren, or simply offering a gentle word of support, she found beauty in the small moments and gave her love freely.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause close to Olivia’s heart.
Though Olivia is no longer with us, the love she shared remains, woven into the hearts of those she touched. Her spirit lives on in every act of kindness, every shared memory, and in the lives of the family she held so dear.
