The December Vancrest resident spotlight shines on 101-year-old Emma Spradlin, who lived most of her life in Hardin County. Here’s her story:

Emma was born in Kentucky, where attended a  small school until her family moved to Ohio.  

She picked onions at a farm in McGuffey. There she met her future husband, and says the meeting was memorable: he threw an onion at her.  

The couple was married in Kentucky and eventually had nine children, as Emma puts it: “We greatly enjoyed a large family.” She adds that her favorite occupation was being a mother. 

Emma continued to work at the farm for a time after her marriage, but was 
later joined the housekeeping department at Lima Memorial Hospital. 

Among fond activities Emma remembers when her family was growing up included tending her gardens. Her favorite foods include cereal and pickled eggs and beets.

Looking back, Emma says she enjoyed taking vacations to visit family in other states. Among those most enjoyable were visiting her sister, Rosetta, in 
Michigan.

The 101-year-old says that her favorite part of life today is “not” having to go to work, and  she wouldn't want to change anything about her life.  

On Feb. 27, 2020, she will celebrate her 102th birthday.