Former Marble Hill, Mo., teacher celebrates her 100th birthday

~ She still has warm relationships with former students, some now in their 70s.

Verdetta Seabaugh of Marble Hill, Mo., celebrated her 100th birthday Jan. 6 at Marble Hill United Methodist Church with her children, David Hahn, Gary Hahn and Carol Angle; their families; grandchildren; great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and about 200 guests. Most of the guests were family, friends and former students from Marble Hill, Jackson, Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff, Mo., St. Louis, Columbia, Mo., and Kansas City, Mo.. Guests from Boulder, Colo., Dallas and Washington D.C. also attended.

Seabaugh received resolutions from the Missouri Senate and House, and both Missouri and U.S. flags were flown in her honor. She also received personal letters from President Bush, Sen. Kit Bond and Rep. Jo Ann Emerson.

Seabaugh's teaching career encompassed students of all levels and abilities in her rural community. Her first teaching experiences in a one-room schoolhouse included walking to school in the snow to start a fire to warm up the classroom.

She still maintains many warm relationships with former students, some now in their 70s.

She pioneered teaching in the Head Start program and has been a Sunday school teacher for most of her adult life at United Methodist Church of Marble Hill, where she has been a member for 65 years and has served in many leadership roles.

During her teaching career, Seabaugh spent summers as a clerk in a general store to provide her family extra income. While caring for her three children, Seabaugh accepted the responsibilities of a farm wife: tending the animals, selling milk and eggs, gardening, cooking, baking and sewing clothes for a growing family.

Seabaugh lives independently and regularly welcomes guests.

A member of Alpha Delta Kappa since 1965, Seabaugh has served in several leadership roles. The local chapter currently meets in her home.

Her hobbies include specialty baking, working crossword puzzles, reading books and magazines and crocheting.

An avid crocheter, her skills are well known regionally, nationwide and even around the world. The artistry and quality of the treasured afghans she crochets for her family and friends is outstanding. Seabaugh has also participated in outreach to third-world countries with contributions of children's crocheted sweaters for several years.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133