Onda Lee DeLong, age 88 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood after an extended illness.  She was born September 8, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Erwin and Leah (Stokes) Wilson.  She was a homemaker all of her life and also formerly worked at Essex Wire Co. in Elwood and the Nik-Nak Restaurant in Elwood.  Onda was a graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and married Merle "Francis" DeLong on September 29, 1945.  They shared more than 51 years of marriage together before his passing in 1997.  She formerly attended the Charity Inn Church in Elwood, and she and Francis were former members of the Elwood Eagles Lodge.  Onda enjoyed traveling with Francis, crocheting, cooking, and working crossword puzzles.  More than anything she will be remembered as being devoted to her family and she loved to cook for them.

Onda's family includes 3 daughters, Vickie Teachnor (companion Jim Kerby) of Andalusia, AL, Paula (husband Garry) Horseman of Elwood, and Denise Owen of Anderson; 10 grandchildren, Marsha Faulstich, Jason Riser, Brandi Burns, Angie Riser-Steffler, Eric Winn, Todd Teachnor, Onda (husband Andrew) Warrington, Franklin (wife Rachelle) Neil, Darren (wife Meagen) DeLong, and Cody (wife Alicia) DeLong; 25 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Merle "Francis" DeLong who died May 29, 1997; son, Darren DeLong in 2005; grandson, Brian Faulstich; great grandson, Dominick Kyle Sansone; and 4 brothers, George Wilson, Max Wilson, Ronald Wilson, and Fred Wilson.

A graveside funeral service will take place at a later date at the Elwood City Cemetery.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.