Emma Spradlin, a life-long resident of McGuffey, will celebrate her 102nd birthday on Thursday, Feb. 27, at Vancrest of Ada, with her family and friends. She lived in McGuffey since she was 7. She is mother to nine children.
One of her daughters, Dorothy Puckett of Kenton, provided the Icon with a poem that summarizes her life:
She was born in Kentucky in 1918 and came to McGuffey, a little girl on a train.
She walked to school a mile each way, for learning each and every day.
She met the love of her life at age 15, the prettiest girl he’d ever seen.
They worked in the potatoes in the fall, (boys haven’t really changed at all)
He threw an onion to get her attention, and that was how it all began.
They soon decided they were to marry, but had to come up with a story,
So they could get away to elope, a good life together was their hope.
They went to Kentucky so’s not to wait, and her Daddy went after, too bad, too late!
Their parents didn’t need to fear, this young couple lasted many a year!
In Wyandot County they got their start, two strong boys became a part,
Of their family so big and fine, the children added up to nine.
To McGuffey they returned to live and have been there ever since.
When looking back in memory, her now-grown children all agree,
For husband and children, her life was spent, she always gave 100 percent.
Besides all the house she had to keep, she helped the onion fields to reap.
Late in the day, she came back home, to harvest the garden of her own.
Another way she found to serve, to can and pickle and preserve.
Like the woman of Proverbs 31, she arose while it was night,
She had no fear for her household, for she worked and did what’s right.
She carried for Dad ‘til he was 91, and he loved telling everyone,
How much he loved his own dear wife, right up to the end of life.
And she no cares for old dog, Tiny, plus birds and a cat named Tommy.
She spends many summer hours caring for her lovely flowers.
And if she has some time to spare, for her big kids she still takes care.
On Sunday she lifts her solo voice to help the saints of God rejoice.
Her favorite song is “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” – of her life a fitting token,
Our circle ne’er will break on earth because of our dear Mother,
And the circle ne’er will break in Heaven, because of our dear Savior.
Happy birthday Mom. We all love you.
