Nettie Welty

Nettie Ann Kistner Welty (June 23, 1913-March 18, 2016)

On June 23, 1913, Cape Girardeau farmer Odney Lonzo Kistner rode all night to town to fetch the doctor to deliver his third born, a second-born daughter, Nettie Kistner Welty. At 102 years and 9 months old, Nettie quietly and peacefully left this earth on Friday night, March 18, to join her loved ones in heaven.

During her 100 plus years on this earth, Nettie fulfilled primary roles: firstly, as daughter to Odney and Rosie Kistner of Millersville and secondly, as mother to her three children, Sharon Stanley, Linda Fulton and R.B. Welty, and as grandmother to granddaughter Leah Fulton Harte and grand-son-in-law Thomas Harte Jr. Nettie was wife to her late husband, Olin R. Welty, who she married March 6, 1943. She was also sister to siblings Hubert Lee Kistner and Hettie Mae Kistner Crites.

Although nearly 103 years old, Nettie would proclaim, "I don't even think about my age," when asked her about the status of her advancing years, noting, "Well, I maybe feel like I am 60 or 65!" Believing she was as young as she felt seemed to contribute to Nettie's longevity! Is it not the Bible that says "for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he?" This was just one of Nettie's beliefs that guided her during her long life! Nettie's numerous sayings seem to provide insight into the motivations, beliefs and actions behind her successful life.

As a daughter to her farmer-parents, Nettie was inspired by observing their hard work and commitment to survival, including their strong family values. Her Grandpa Kistner migrated from Germany with a son, losing his wife to the sea en route but remarrying and fathering eight additional sons with a second wife upon settling in Southeast Missouri. Nettie lived her own life with great hope! A lover of nature, on a bright and sunny day, Nettie would say, "This is the kind of day that makes you want to live forever." She approached daily tasks by "flying-in and getting-it-done," to use another of her most famous expressions. Throughout her lifetime, Nettie was healthy, robust and determined, which family members fondly recall through lessons learned and for inspiration. As a mother, her children observed her perseverance with steadfastness.

She was recognized by her family and relatives for her delicious homemade dishes and for creating wonderful home-cooked meals made from her annual vegetable garden of fresh green beans, pumpkins, tomatoes, potatoes and such.

Nettie continually moved her family forward as the matriarch, and did not falter. One of her greatest accomplishments was living to 100! She took life in stride, engaging family values of commitment, dedication, and hope for tomorrow, even during challenging times! Look forward to tomorrow, "It'll be the kind of day that makes you want to live forever." Got a task you are not eager to complete, "Fly-in and get-it-done!" Getting that stressful situation behind you will position you to live to 100! Nettie accepted all of life's challenges believing, "It's always the darkest just before the dawn!" Continually living with moderation, she also focused on eating healthy and delicious food, exercising daily into her 90s, spending time with family and relying on family-strength. Nettie frequently proclaimed, "You may get pushed into a mud hole in one place, but just plan to pop up someplace else!" She could have been perceived as living carefully and cautiously, but she knew when it was time "to let go," which she did on Friday night at 10:20 p.m.

Her life will continue to be celebrated by her surviving family members, eldest daughter Ms. Sharon Stanley and son Mr. R.B. Welty, both of Cape Girardeau and daughter Dr. Linda Fulton of Washington, D.C.; and her grandson-in-law and granddaughter of Los Angeles, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Harte Jr. (Leah Fulton).

A private memorial celebration is planned to honor her extraordinary life.

Nettie Kistner Welty's legacy of longevity will continue with her willed decision for the Genesis Donor Program of the Medical Education and Research Institute, Memphis, Tennessee, through their educational and research programs in all areas of medicine.

This announcement courtesy of Crain Funeral Home of Cape Girardeau.