On Friday, Sept. 11, Marcie Stalder of Sabetha celebrated her 100th year of life at Apostolic Christian Assisted Living, making her officially a centenarian!

Marcie was born in 1926 in Richardson County, Neb., to her parents William “Bill” and Elta (Mishler) Schmid. She grew up with in the country on the family farm with her parents and two sisters – Delores “Kitty” Wenger of Sabetha and Marge Barnes of Minnesota. Marcie also spent much time with grandparents and made wonderful memories with them. Seeing her many aunts and uncles was also a treat for the young Marcie.

For school, Marcie and her sisters attended the Honey Creek School in Salem, Neb., which is unfortunately no longer in operation. After graduating primary school, Marcie attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for two years, majoring in education. Once her courses were completed, Marcie returned to Honey Creek and taught all of third grade for approximately 3-1/2 years. She was also a teacher for the seventh grade in Tecumseh, Neb., and substituted later in Falls City, Neb.

During her childhood, Marcie and her family attended the former Zion Evangelical and Reform Church in Richardson County. This is where Marcie got to know a fellow church goer and community member, John Stalder. John and Marcie married at their childhood church in 1947 after John briefly served in the Army in World War II. Together, they had three sons – John, Bill and Tom.

When asked about her sons growing up, Marcie shared that they were good children, and were rarely in trouble.

“[My children] were pretty independent,” she said. “They weren’t troublemakers, I don’t think they got into any trouble. They were always nice guys.”

Marcie and John lived in a three-story ranch-style house near Salem for approximately 70 years, raising their sons and taking care of their respective work. John was a cattle farmer and Marcie worked in the home. When not doing housework or taking care of her sons, Marcie enjoyed gardening, nurturing her flowers, reading and cooking. She especially loved to try new foods and expand the family’s established recipes.

In their family, Marcie was known for making buckwheat pancakes for her boys on long hunting days in the fall. According to Marcie’s sister, Kitty, these pancakes have been “carried on into their [the boys’] families.”

The Stalders didn’t travel often, but Marcie recalls going to Chicago in the summer. According to Marcie, she thought it was “always interesting to find what made places famous or held people’s interest” while on their road trips.

After John unfortunately passed away in July 2007, Marcie stayed on the family farm until she moved to Sabetha to be closer to family. Marcie enjoys her time in the assisted living, participating in the various games and activities available, as well as relishing in the company of her friends and family who visit.

Marcie loves her three sons, as well as her seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, very much. She has been a mother for several decades, and when asked what advice she would give parents today, her answer was simply, “Listen to your children as well as your own thoughts.”

Living to 100 years old is a mighty feat, and to still be in great health like Marcie is even more momentous. Another small piece of advice from Marcie in regard to living a long, successful life is, “Just take it daily, every day, and it’ll happen.”