Nancy Ann Long's Obituary
Nancy Ann Long
1940 - 2022
Nancy Ann Long passed away on November 21, 2022 and is free from her battle with Muscular Dystrophy and complications from a stroke.
Nancy, the second child of William and Gladys Hodgkinson was born in Barnstable, Massachusetts on January 15, 1940. She had one brother, William Hodgkinson, Jr.
Her parents moved to Ogden, Utah then Rush Valley for her father’s job at Dugway Proving Grounds. Her love of Rush Valley endured throughout her lifetime where she purchased the Stookey Ranch and grew alfalfa, restored cabins, sheep campers and other buildings.
Nancy attended Tooele High School where she met her first husband, Joe Long, and together they raised six children. She used to boast that she had 6 children by the time she was 26. But Nancy’s calling was not to be a housewife, so she opened her first business, The Brown Barn. She loved meeting new people and selling items she found on junking expeditions.
In 1970, Nancy and Joe moved their family to Salt Lake City for a new venture. They started the Wood House, a ready-to-finish furniture store. Their humble beginnings began selling decoupage boards and clothes drying racks. They eventually grew the business to include five locations, including one at Trolley Square, her favorite because she loved old buildings. During this time, Nancy met her dearest friend Peg Wells, the sister she never had. Over decades, they remodeled buildings, decorated stores, and designed the décor for Archibald’s Restaurant at Gardner Village. They were kindred spirits.
Nancy had no formal education, and said she attended the School of Hard Knocks. She loved being involved with merchandising and advertising where her creativity flowed. Her favorite part of business was meeting people and customers and waiting on them with her heart.
In 1979, Nancy discovered and fell in love with the historic Gardner Mill in West Jordan. Despite its neglected condition, she saw its potential. Originally her vision was to restore the Mill to be her home; but plans evolved, and she decided to start a Country Store that sold furniture and handmade items.
Shortly after purchasing the Mill, she married Chris Christenson and together they went to work persevering the Mill’s charm. A complimentary pairing, Nancy impatient and Chris the planner, their mantra was Patience…Grass becomes Milk. Some people collect cars, but Nancy started collecting homes and old buildings to complete her vision of a quaint village. Today, Gardner Village is a tribute to her creativity, perseverance, and devotion to hard work. Nancy’s favorite quote was, “Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb, that’s where the fruit is.”
After retiring and weakening from Muscular Dystrophy, Nancy didn’t slow down. Between restoring sheep camp wagons, vintage campers and real estate ventures, there was never a dull moment.
Nancy held many titles, Lady DI due to her frequent trips to Deseret Industries and
“The Cosmetic Queen” because of the way she fixed up real estate.
The “Queen of Country” because she had the largest country store in the west. (According to her advertising) and “The Parcheesi Queen” because she loved to play this board game and won a lot.
Her favorite title was “Crazy Grandma.” She lived up to her self-proclaimed name, and her kids and grandchildren have countless stories of her crazy antics. She was known to leave you a voicemail and say, “This is Crazy, call me!”
Nancy is survived her previous husband, Chris Christensen. Her children Michael Long, Christine Fawson, Angie Gerdes (Kipp), Stacey Russell (Brad), Teresa Bickmore (Barry), Joe Long (Kristie). She has 19 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Joe Long and grandson, Remington.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Gathering Place at Gardner Village, West Jordan, UT, on Sunday January 15, 2023, from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Guests are encouraged to bring photos and share stories and memories of her. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Nancy’s name may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association
What’s your fondest memory of Nancy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nancy?
Share a story where Nancy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nancy you’ll never forget.
How did Nancy make you smile?