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Local resident celebrates 100th birthday

Looking at her cake adorned with three pink glittering candles that spelled “100”, Cleatis Kiel smiled at her family and friends who had come to celebrate her birthday with her at Russellville Healthcare.

In 100 years, a lot of things have changed. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1915 the average house cost $3,200, and the average car cost $2,005. To fill up the car cost 15 cents per gallon. For groceries, a person paid seven cents for a loaf of bread, 34 cents for a dozen eggs, nine cents for a quart of milk and 26 cents per pound of steak. Even a movie ticket only cost 10-15 cents. Also, technology has evolved over time from the invention of the television to the Smart phone.

Born on May 3, 1915, Kiel shared what she learned during the changes in her own life.

“I have learned a lot,” said Kiel. “I have learned to be patient, loving and caring.”

She also declared that she does not have any secrets for a long life. However, her son Gerald Kiel thinks he knows why she has made it to 100 years old.

“She likes pinto beans, cornbread and Mountain Dew,” said Gerald.

The former Cleatis Boatwright married the late Richard Kiel on November 28, 1937. Together they raised four boys, Donald (who is deceased), Gerald, Glenn and David. These boys blessed Kiel with four daughters-in-law (Shirlene Carpenter, Betty Pace, Patsy Warhurst and Mildred Huckabee), nine grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. Although her children are all grown up, her family still lives in the surrounding area with the farthest family members living in Huntsville.

Kiel and her husband, with the help of her sons, worked as farmers.

“I use to help pick cotton,” said Kiel, who affirmed that they also raised cattle.

Kiel who is from Russellville, had spent some time in Limestone County before settling down in 1944 in the Tharptown community, where she still attends Tharptown Baptist Church. Although Kiel has out-lived all of her friends, she has become close friends with her Sunday School teacher, Annette Hamilton, and neighbor, Ella Rae Hill.

Kiel had lived at home until a month ago when she moved into Russellville Healthcare.

“She is a wonderful person,” said Charlotte Tharp, activities coordinator at Russellville Healthcare. “Her family is here every day to see her.”

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