Ruth Reif celebrates 100 years Dec. 27

Longtime resident on the Henry Des Moines County line, Ruth Beckman Reif celebrates not only 100 busy years as a farm wife and landowner, but counts herself among the very lucky. Longevity runs in her family and a paternal aunt lived to 109 years. She is living at home in the house she and her husband, Loren Reif, built many years ago. It was one of the first totally electric homes. While not sure of the year the house was built, the family recalls that it cost $17,000 to build new. It is very modern and does not look old at all. The family looks after her, although she says that not driving any more can be frustrating. Once in a while, she would like to hop in the car and go for a spin.

Reif comes from a large farming family. Her parent’s farm was near Flint Ridge road. She married in 1945 and she moved to the county line around 1950. She worked at Chittenden and Eastman for a while before joining her husband in his farming and dairy business. Loren passed away several years ago. His dairy business was unusual for its day. The cows were freshened in August around the beginning of school and dried up by the end of May. Loren and Ruth could then take wonderful summer trips. Ruth’s brother looked after the cows while they were gone.

Ruth still lives in the farmhouse. Her granddaughter, Sophie Beckman, attends New London’s Clark Elementary and Darcy Beckman, primary care giver, live with her. . TV is not appealing to her. She enjoys crossword puzzles and word games. What she misses most is church, but the pastor sees that she has lessons to study and visits frequently.

An Open House will be held at the Faith Trinity Lutheran Church, 3109 Sunnyside Ave, Burlington, Iowa on Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 4-6 p.m.. Neighbors, friends and family are welcome to celebrate with her. Cards would also be appreciated. Mail to Ruth Reif, 2799 Henry Des Moines Ave, Danville Iowa 52623.