Leona Widler enjoying long, productive life
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
What does a woman do who has lived to the ripe old age of 103?
"I twiddle my thumbs and sleep a lot," was Leona Widler's answer.
She turned 103 Sept. 13 and has been a resident of Legacy Park in Peabody for almost three years.
Leona's parents migrated from Bern, Switzerland to the Florence area in the 1800s.
Leona was the sixth of seven children. She is the only one remaining. She said she is happy to still be alive but is sorry her brothers and sisters are gone.
Leona completed eight grades at Summit School District seven miles southeast of Peabody. The district was established in 1873, at a time when many immigrants were beginning to flood the state.
Leona walked or rode a horse to school. She said going to high school "was not done" in those days.
She occupied her time helping her mother on the farm — hoeing and pulling weeds in the garden, putting up produce, and caring for farm animals.
She married neighbor boy, Arthur "Jack" Widler. They had two children: Jack and Dorene.
Arthur died suddenly at age 39 when Jack was 14 years old and Dorene was a baby. Leona was left to care for the children and look after the farm.
"Jack grew up fast," said his sister Dorene. "He had to take over the farm work."
Leona helped in the field, cultivating ground with a tractor. She also raised chickens and milked cows.
Leona spent a lot of time gardening and growing flowers. She also made quilts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jack was never married. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease late in life and died a year or two ago. Dorene and her husband Ronald Kirkpatrick continue to farm in the Florence area.
Dorene said her mother was forced to move to a nursing home along with Jack after she no longer could care for him.
Leona remains in good health. She said she has never had a surgery in her lifetime. She doesn't see or hear well, which limits her, but she is mobile with the help of a walker and likes to take part in group activities.
She said she has no idea why she has been given such a long life. Dorene said her mother always cooked balanced meals. Another factor may be that longevity runs in the family. One sister lived to be 97.
Leona has three grandchildren, Ron and Dorene's three children. Duane Kirkpatrick and his wife, Lori, live in rural Marion. Duane is a farmer. They have three sons: Jared, a high school graduate, Matthew, a senior, and Michael, a freshman at Marion High School.
Grandson Larry Kirkpatrick is not married and farms in the Florence area. Granddaughter Cindy is married to Jeff Holt. They live in Florence and have a daughter, Kara, in college.
On Sept. 9, Leona's family gave her a surprise birthday party. They brought in dinner and ice cream and cake.
Although sometimes the days are long, Leona said she is happy to be alive and still able to enjoy life. She looks forward to visits from Dorene several times a week and appreciates visits from other family members, as well.
"I know they're busy with their own lives, but they come when they can," she said with a contented smile.
