ASC Centenarians

Ellanore Hartman was born in Marion County, Indiana on March 19, 1921. She was raised on a farm as an only child and spent most of her time in the company of animals. From this farm lifestyle, she cultivated a love of gardening. She finds joy in her potted plants and flowers. She was blessed with two children. She has one granddaughter and two great-grandsons. She has said that her favorite job was being a midwife and delivering babies into the world. She was married to her husband Ervin for 50 years. She is an avid lover of animals, especially cats. She loves to watch the news, especially Randy Ollis on channel 8. In fact, he even came to surprise her for her 100^th birthday celebration! As we look back at her 100 years on this earth, we celebrate the many things she has achieved and seen in her long and full life.

Emma was raised on a farm and loves animals, especially horses. She also enjoys a variety of activities at the North Woods Village. Emma states, “The secret to living this long is activity. You got to keep the body moving. You can’t sit around on your buns.”

Edith Hallett is an absolute joy to be around. She loves playing games and spending time doing arts & crafts in the community.

Lizzie Mae Barrett is a sweetheart! She loves engaging in activities and is always open to trying new things!

Virginia Swim is a kind-hearted woman who always knows just what to say. She’s fun to be around and is a genuine friend.

We are truly honored to serve Carmen Leffler. She is a joy to be around, and her uplifting spirit makes us all smile.

Catherine “Katie” Hennemann conquered COVID-19 the same year she turned 100! Her only child, Deanna, is 80, and the two are very close. They always are so positive and love spending time with their family!

Eva Wilson was born and raised in Griffin, Indiana. She was married to Douglas for 45 years and is the mother of four children, two boys and two girls. She worked as the head cook at Gibault schools for over 35 years, and her favorite dish to make is chop suey. She has seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She said some of her favorite memories include getting to see her children grow up before her eyes, every first day of school and winning a spelling bee in the fifth grade.

Her best advice is, “Always be good and go to church!”

Earl was born in Jennings County. He served in the Air Force for four years  during WWII, ending his career as a Sergeant.

Earl loved hunting and going fishing. He was married for over 40 years to the late Helen Schneider. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, especially baseball.

When asked if he had any words of wisdom, Earl said, “Live it up!”

Erna Yarck was born in Hammond, Indiana and grew up with nine siblings. She has been blessed with many nephews and nieces. She loves to sew and to color, and her faith is very important to her. She always has a smile on her face, and she’s always putting smiles on other people’s faces.

Betty Deree loves being a mother. In fact, aside from her faith, being a mother was the most important thing to her. She often says her favorite days were when she gave birth to her daughters. Her advice to everyone is to eat lots of candy!

Yvonne graduated school in Westfield at the age of 16. In November of 1938, she married her first husband, Richard Essex. They had four beautiful children together. After 56 years of marriage, Richard passed away. She then met her second husband, James Steep. On their honeymoon, they went white water rafting in Alaska. She was 79 at the time! Yvonne enjoys painting, needlework, making quilts and coloring. She is most proud of her four children, nine grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Her best piece of advice for living a long life is, “Don’t let your brain know your age and always try to learn something new.”

Mary McEowen is a funny and kind member of the American Village community, and she credits her longevity to enjoying every possible moment. She recommends that we all follow her lead on that. Great advice, Mary!

Bessie McReynolds is a proud great-grandmother and is truly beloved by all in the community. She is a delight to talk to and has a huge heart.

Flossie Borders has a huge heart and absolutely loves children. In fact, she raised 14 foster children over the course of her life! When she’s not talking to them, she’s playing Bingo or socializing with her peers. When asked for words of wisdom, she said, “Be compassionate and truthful to others.”

Ruby was born in Camelsburg, Indiana to Vance and Gladys Batt. Ruby grew up with one brother and one sister. She has two sons, four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She loves spending time with them! In 1996 Ruby was able to watch and cheer on her granddaughters on their way to a State Championship in softball!

Martha was born in Lizton, Indiana. She graduated from Lizton High school in 1934. She grew up on a farm and as a young girl her father told her that she was not allowed to date until she was able to catch a chicken, kill it and fix it for dinner!

A mother of four, Martha has 10 grandchildren and “too many great-grandchildren to count.” She loves her big family and says it has always been the most important thing to her.