Linden – Penny Annie Long Rister, age 56, passed away 12:30 PM Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in Franciscan Health Hospital, Indianapolis, following a battle with lung cancer.  She was born in Lafayette, January 11, 1965 daughter of the late James and Cynthia Johnson Long.  Penny married Gregory Rister in Chicago, October 26, 2015 and he survives.

Penny was raised in Lafayette and attended Jefferson High School.  She was trained in phlebotomy at the Home Hospital School of Nursing.  She was employed for many years as a Phlebotomist at Home Hospital, Lafayette. Later she was employed by Penguin/Random House and Williamsburg Nursing Home both in Crawfordsville.

Penny was thoughtful and had an incredibly large, loving heart.  She would virtually give the shirt off her back if someone was in need.   She was a fun loving, silly person who enjoyed joking and clowning around.  Dancing and 70s rock n roll were her favorites.  She loved spending time with her 11 grandchildren and family.  She enjoyed being outdoors, as well as fishing and hunting mushrooms.

Surviving along with her husband Greg are: three daughters; Samantha Marie Koontz of West Lafayette, Kayla (Bob) Bridwell of Linden and Chelcie (Brandon) Cook of Wingate.  Two sons; Corey Koontz of Lafayette and Matt Koontz (fiancé Abby Everette) of Lafayette.  Two sisters; Laurie (Brad) Staples of New Richmond, Dorothy 'Bookie' (Heleria) Long of Lafayette, two brothers; James (Melinda) Long and Brian (Lori) Long both of Lafayette.  Eleven grandchildren also survive.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation hours are 5:00 – 8:00 PM Monday, March 15, 2021 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services, 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 16, with Pastor Mike Parks officiating.  Graveside services will follow in Linden Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Linden Cemetery.  Visit us online to sign the guest book or share a memory.  Please follow the recommendations of Indiana State Board of Health in regard to COVID 19.