Happy 100th, Vee!

WRITTEN BY NANCY JO

Any ideas what the invention below is? Well, you have probably heard the expression ‘greatest thing since sliced bread’ or ‘older than sliced bread’. Well, this month we celebrate the 100 year old life of Veronica “Vee” Catherine Richards, born April 11, 1921! Yes, Vee was born before Otto Frederick Rohwedder introduced his invention a bread slicing machine in Iowa in late 1928, so I guess you could say, she is older than sliced bread!

In 1921, the first daughter of Ray and Pauline Richards was born in Lower Bull Run, West Mifflin, PA. That same year the world was introduced to Betty Crocker, Eskimo Pies, Land O' Lakes Butter, Mounds, Baby Ruth and Oh Henry! candy bars, the world's first hamburger chain - White Castles, Wrigley's Gum, the first of 100 Billion Band-Aids to date. At that time a house cost $7,019, ‘unsliced’ bread was 10 cents a loaf, gas was 11 cents a gallon, and milk was 58 cents.

Don’t forget that the average household income in the United States was approximately $3,269.40!

Veronica and her three younger sisters lived through the Great Depression with simple means and neighbors often aiding in daily living chores. The girls enjoyed running through the corn stalks exciting the black snakes and singing harmonies with guitar accompaniment. Vee sang in a talent show at Duquesne High School and for an audition at a local radio station.

Vee remembers walking home from school ina snowstorm and about a storm when ateacher offered her shelter for an evening.

That was the reason the family decided to get a telephone in the house, circa 1936. Two years later, Vee graduated high school, went on to attend Business School and went to work at a bank.

When World War II broke out, Vee’s special dance partner enlisted and after four years of letters, there was a wonderful surprise homecoming. She married that dance partner and God blessed them with four children. Now after 67 years, Vee enjoys numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She has inherited her father’s story-telling ability and below are a list stories she would be glad to tell you about:

Only one head of cabbage left in the fridge A surprise 25th Anniversary Party and putting the booze away afterwards Sunday dinners and Annual Family reunions Working for engineers at Westinghouse, meeting an admiral Sewing prom gowns for her girls The ‘hot dog toss’ on New Year’s Eve Meeting Jesus in the 1970’s

Other highlights of a 100 year old life well-lived: At age 80, Vee took some college courses to learn about the computer and the internet. She makes a great Texas Sheet Cake and enjoys baking bread. At age 96, she was baptized by Pastor Kirk as a public profession of faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Now at 100, Vee wonders why God has blessed her with such a long life. Her family and friends are sure glad He has for she is always a joy to be around. She is conversant, funny, witty, and always expresses a good perspective and attitude on life. She is convinced that the only real way to live is by doing life with Jesus.

Her daughter, Val Sas, said, "I think 1921 was a good year and Micah 6:8 fits her (Mom) well at100! 'What does God require of you, o man, but to love justice, practice mercy and to walkhumbly with our God.' Thank you for the example and Happy Birthday, Mom!"