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Birthday Girl, Benton woman marks 100th birthday |
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Saturday, 30 January 2010 |
Viola “Dutch” Cowling celebrated her 100th birthday with a family celebration on Thursday evening at Mount Carmel Community in Benton.
She attributes her longevity to “good ol’ country living.”
“I rode cows and ate garden food, country food, and lived the country life,” Cowling says. “I lived in the same house for 94 years. My great-great-grandfather built the house in Ozan before the Civil War.”
When asked how she got her nickname, Cowling said, “I used to read aloud when I was a small child, and my dad said I sounded like a Dutchman, so he started calling me ‘Dutch’ and it has stuck with me ever since.
“I don’t remember anyone calling me Viola more than a few times in my life,” she said.
She says she never eats dinner — just breakfast and lunch — and confesses that she loves junk food.
Mount Carmel Community also held a celebration for Cowling at 11:30 a.m. Thursday. During the event, she received letters and proclamations from U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, Gov. Mike Beebe and Benton Mayor Rick Holland, who presented her a key to the city.
In addition, Young’s Jewelers in Benton presented her with a garnet necklace, which is her birthstone.
She continues to be an active participant in the activities of the assisted living facility.
Equipped with her quick wit and remarkable memory, family members say she serves as an inspiration to all.
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