Oldest American has died at the age of 115 after sharing her secret to long life
A 115-year-old woman who was thought to be the oldest person in the United States has passed away at her care home.
Bessie Laurena Hendricks was born in west-central Iowa’s Calhoun County in 1907 - before social media, before television - even before sliced bread. That was in 1928, if you were wondering.
She went on to live through two world wars, the new Millennium and Elon Musk taking over Twitter, but she passed away on Tuesday (3 January) at the Shady Oaks Care Center in Lake City, Iowa after 12 years living at the home.
Her death came almost exactly two months after Bessie celebrated her 115th birthday on 7 November, and after the Los Angeles-based Gerontology Research Group listed her as the country’s oldest living person last year.
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Bessie grew up on a farm and in her younger years worked as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Calhoun County.
In June 1930 she married her husband, Paul, and together they welcomed five children; Shirley, Joan, Roland, Glenda and Leon.
Just one month before celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary, Paul passed away on 25 May, 1995.
Two of Bessie's children also passed away prior to her death earlier this week, but she is survived by a huge family including her three surviving children, nine grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 42 great-great-grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Bessie was around for the sinking of the Titanic, the terms of 21 presidents, and more recently the coronavirus pandemic.
Five years ago, at the sprightly age of 110, Bessie was asked by the Fort Dodge Messenger about the secret to a long life.
Unfortunately, though, her answer might not quite be what you want to hear.
Rather than an abundance of chocolate, daily naps or more days spent treating yourself, Bessie's answer was simple: "hard work".
Those first few things are probably still important, though, as Bessie's son also revealed that she '[loved] her sweets'.
When Bessie celebrated her 112th birthday in 2019, a care centre administrator commented: "A strong will and love of family keep Bessie going. She appreciates life so much.”
Following Bessie's passing, the Gerontology Research Group has reported that 114-year-old Edie Ceccarelli, who lives in California, now holds the title for the oldest living person in the United States.
A funeral service is set to be held for Bessie at Lampe & Powers Funeral Home on Saturday (7 January).
Emily Brown