TRAVERSE CITY — Lalena Jean (Gouthard) Longest, 42, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly at her home Jan. 12, 2012.Lalena was born Sept. 26, 1969, to Robert "Skip" Neal Gouthard and Donna Elizabeth (Eversole) Gouthard, in Phoenix, Ariz. Lalena grew up in Phoenix and attended school there. Lalena enjoyed spending time with her friend and mentor Larry Murphy. Together they watched movies and talked about her kids, whom she loved so much. She also enjoyed walking downtown and spending time with her brother's kids, Robert, Kayla and Destiny, boating, biking and walking barefoot on the beach. She loved it when the wind would blow threw her hair. She will be remembered for the last four years of her life because they were the best she had in a long time. She was very happy with her new start in her life because a lot of people believed in her.Lalena is survived by three children, whom she was so proud of, Anthony, Brandon and Brandy Longest, of Arizona; her father, Robert Gouthard, of Arizona; as well as many other loving family members and friends.Lalena was preceded in death by her mother Donna and her brother, Robert Gouthard, of Arizona.Memorial services will be held at Faith Reformed Church Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. with Randy Burgess officiating.Please share your thoughts with the family at Lalena's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .