Former school teacher turns 100 years old

CHILLICOTHE — At 100 years old former school teacher Evelyn Mathers is still taking care of herself and enjoying life. As she has continued to age she has adapted, making the best of the life she has been given.

Born on June 12, 1924, Mathers would share a birthday with her mother. She grew up with her older brother, who helped name her, in Chillicothe attending Mount Logan school for two years before moving to a place near Waverly where she was taught in a one-room schoolhouse. Her family would eventually move to Londonderry where she would graduate from Southeastern schools in 1941.

It was in Londonderry that she received a piano, with this gift she would practice and learn how to perform eventually playing for her commencement.

After working in various offices for around 10 years Mathers decided to go to college to become a teacher. She attended Ohio Christian University where she would learn, work and go on missions. As a teacher she worked in Alger and London, Ohio before coming back to Chillicothe for family It was here where she would spend the majority of her teaching career educating mostly first graders.

During this time Mathers also started a card ministry to help spread love to those homebound or in nursing homes. This involved her gathering names, sending cards and communicating regularly to those she felt could be easily forgotten.

"I thought they needed to know somebody cared for them," said Mathers.

Today after officially retiring from teaching and her other jobs Mathers works to maintain a healthy lifestyle that allows her to take care of herself. When she does need help, with things like driving which she no longer does, she has family locally that take her where she needs to go. Due to her eyesight being almost completely gone, she said she uses her "favorite friend" the flashlight when she needs help reading labels for food.

Even with her eyesight and hearing diminishing Mathers can walk all on her own without the need for a walker. She claims this is because she has consistently exercised throughout her years. The only time she uses a cane is when she takes the trash out so she does not miss a hole and accidentally fall.

"I'm doing ok," said Mathers of her life.

Mathers turned 100 years old on July 12 to celebrate this accomplishment her family and friends held a party. She jokes that as you age you start to outlive your old friends so you have to make new ones, because of this she was excited to see friends from her various stages of life all together celebrating and having fun. Relatives from all over the country were also present at the celebration.

"They must think something of me," joked Mathers about those who came to celebrate.

She said she had a goal of making it this far in life but will continue living the best life she can while she has the time.

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Local woman turns 100, celebrates with family from around the nation