IRONTON, Mo. — From the standpoint of years alone, one resident of the The Baptist Home in Ironton, Mo., outranks every other senior citizen in Missouri. Jewell Stehlik celebrated her 111th birthday Oct. 25 and holds the distinction of being the oldest person in the Show-Me State.
By all accounts, the Arcadia Valley facility, one of three campuses of the ministry that offers independent living, assisted living and nursing care services for residents and a senior adult ministries resource for churches, might as well pencil in her birthday on calendars for the next few years.
At 111, Jewell appears to be going strong. During a Nov. 2 interview, she was articulate and demonstrated a keen sense of humor. And she still recalls memories that date back 100 years and longer.
The Baptist Home’s staffers believe Jewell is the 35th oldest person in the United States and the 51st oldest in the world.
Jewell is often asked to divulge the secret to her longevity. She says she tries to be good-natured and “I don’t carry a grudge. And I had a good husband for 54 years.” On other occasions she has attributed her long years to “never worrying about anything and loving the good Lord.”
Before she came to The Home, Jewell lived in Camdenton, Mo., and was a member of First Baptist Church there.
As Christmas approaches, Jewell has already requested a single gift, Arcadia Valley administrator Sherri Snider said.
“I want a harmonica,” Jewell said, noting she already has three. It is the only instrument she still plays.
Perhaps she’ll try out the new one at her 112th birthday bash.
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