Jean E. Harford

Jean Elizabeth Long Harford, 80, of Delphi, passed away Sept. 28, 2007, at 4:30 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Healthcare Center, Delphi. She had been in failing health since July 27 and in the nursing home for the past month.

Mrs. Harford was born Jan. 9, 1927, in Greenville, Ill. to Alex and Alice Richards Long. Her marriage was to Wilson T. "Bill" Harford in Greenville on Nov. 24, 1948, and he survives.

She graduated from Greenville High School in 1944 and from the University of Illinois in 1948 with a degree in elementary education. She did her graduate work at Purdue University from 1960 to 1963, and received her master's degree in education from Indiana University- Kokomo in 1974.

Mrs. Harford was an elementary school teacher at the former Pittsburg Elementary for 12 years, then taught fourth grade at Hillcrest Elementary in Delphi for 18 years, retiring in 1990.

She and her husband were formerly members of the First Presbyterian Church in Delphi, then members of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, then attended the Monticello Presbyterian Church, and most recently the Delphi United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Harford belonged to the Alpha Phi Sorority at the University of Illinois, Carroll County Cancer Association, Psi Iota Xi Sorority Auxiliary where she was past president and secretary, Junto Club, DKG club, Carroll County Historical Society, Wabash & Erie Canal Society, Friends of the Heart Bible Study, Indiana State Teachers Association, and Retired State Teachers Association. She also served on the Delphi Public Library board and was a volunteer and tutor for the Delphi Community School Corporation.

Mrs. Harford enjoyed playing bridge and helping and serving others.

Surviving are five sons, Jack Harford (wife: Kyoko) of Indianapolis, J. Scott Harford (wife: Jeanann) of Lafayette, Ted Harford (wife: Carla) of Chico, Calif., Tom Harford (wife: Livia) of Westfield, and David Harford (wife: Natalie) of Cincinnati, Ohio; a sister, Virginia Swartz (husband: David) of Honolulu, Hawaii; and 17 grandchildren.

Mrs. Harford was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Victoria, and a grandson, Karl.

Services were Oct. 1 at Delphi United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Todd Ladd. Burial was at I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens in Pittsburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Karl Harford Good Samaritan Scholarship Fund or the Delphi Public Library. Envelopes are available at Abbott Funeral Home in Delphi, which was in charge of arrangements.