Contestants vie for title at district's annual health-care beauty pageant

The Missouri Health Care Association District V recently held its annual nursing home beauty pageant at Plaza Conference Center. The decor of greenery and flowers as well as six contestants from area nursing homes vying for the title of queen reflected this year's theme, Beauty in Bloom.

The contestants, ranging in age from 73 to 89, represented six nursing homes. Live entertainment, a meal and gifts were provided for contestants.

Queen Susie Sylvan claimed her biggest influence in life came from her sisters. Her favorite place to live was Colorado. Wardell, Mo., is her birthplace.

First runner-up Arlene Pratt grew up walking 20 miles a day to school and for music lessons. Her father, a minister, gave her the opportunity to share her singing talent with others. She still quilts and makes lap robes for other nursing home residents.

Second runner-up Fran Clutts spent many years as a makeup consultant. She and her husband had a country western band. Her best memory was from her childhood, picking mustard greens with her mother.

Contestant Frances Hart of Hunter Acres in Sikeston, Mo., was an only child. She and her late husband had eight children. Her legacy includes 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She has always loved dogs and Rex at Hunter Acres is a bright spot for her.

Moreana Kreitler of Ste. Genevieve Care Center was the youngest of nine siblings. She has had the opportunity to travel, an exciting part of her life. Kreitler was unable to share family stories or memories about traveling due to the loss of her voice at the pageant.

Judges included Rhonda Bramlett and Ruth Dockins, both of the Area Agency on Aging, Elizabeth Harris of the Department of Health and Senior Services, Tonya Landewee of Precious Memories in Jackson, state ombudsman John Orem, and volunteer Vernetta Heil. Mistress of ceremonies was Glenda Cato, Heartland Care and Rehab administrator, and pageant coordinators were Stephanie Schenck, Ste. Genevieve Care Center administrator and MHCA District V's president, and Jill Roth, Ste. Genevieve Care Center activity director. The contestant escorts were Amy Stoll and Lester Wilson.