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Shelley Osterloh ReportingIf you were watching Willard Scott on the Today show this morning, you may have noticed he paid tribute to a special Utah woman who is celebrating her 102nd birthday. KSL’s Shelley Osterloh was with her when the whole country heard about Viola Child.
Willard Scott, Today Show: " Viola Child, 102, Syracuse, Utah. Still drives to the beauty shop and runs errands and attributes her longevity to hard work and good food."
Viola Child has been blessed with good health and a loving family. Born on the family farm in Syracuse in 1902 she says she learned to work hard and love the land. She and her husband Fay built the home in which she has lived for 80 years. She still has 20 acres, mostly surrounded by houses.
Viola Child: "All this country was a farm till the houses come. And they just flocked in here like fleas."
She is proud of her family. Her son Sheldon is a General Authority for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her son Bill is the CEO of R.C. Willey. Her 81-year old daughter Helen is her constant companion.
Helen West, Viola's Daughter: "I think my fondest memory is when my older brother and I would come from school, my mother would have high heels on and baking bread or something for us."
She still likes to cook, and though her arthritis bothers sometimes, still crochets. At a 102, Viola Child still has a driver’s license and regularly drives to church and the grocery store.
Viola Child: "I’ve got two more years on my license, but I hope I'm not here. (Laughs)"
Her family says it’s her love for life and generosity to others that keeps her young.
Linda West, Granddaughter-in-law: "She's got a lot of tenacity. She doesn't give up, she just goes for anything."
Marlene Cook, Granddaughter: "If there is anybody in need Grandma is there to help them. She is an amazing woman."
She is a woman who has not only lived a long time, but lived well and is loved by many.
Viola Child has four children, 22 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren and 104 great-great grandchildren.
