Aletha DeYonge
March 28, 2026: For Aletha DeYonge, happiness is found in the simple things — working on crossword puzzles, reading a good book, watching her favorite Christian programs, and surrounding herself with the color purple she loves so much.
At 100 years old, these small joys reflect a life filled with faith and gratitude for each day.
Aletha was born on June 17, 1925, and grew up near Iona, Minn., located in the southwest corner of the state. She attended a one-room country school with no running water or electricity.
“The boys had to bring in coal for the stove and the girls helped with the buckets of water,” Aletha recalled.
She grew up on a farm with four brothers and one sister during the Great Depression, when families relied on what they could grow and raise themselves.
“We had a big garden, chickens and a cow. My mother churned butter. We probably survived better than people in the cities.”
Aletha married her husband, Herman, on Sept. 3, 1949, in Iona. They built a life farming, first near Wilmont, Minn., then Staples and finally near Verndale.
Together, they raised six children — three daughters and three sons.
Like many farm wives of her generation, she did it all: caring for the children, helping on the farm, and keeping busy in the kitchen. “I was always baking or cooking something,” she said.
Her specialty? Angel food cake made from scratch, often given away to neighbors celebrating birthdays.
Aletha continued living on the farm for many years after Herman passed away in 2002. She later moved to Lakewood Pines assisted living in Staples and most recently the Lakewood Care Center after having back surgery.
Aletha celebrating her 99th birthday last June. (Photo courtesy of Aletha DeYonge)
Today, her family includes oodles of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren – “too many to count,” she said with a chuckle. But her kids keep her updated with visits, phone calls and cards.
She fondly points to her bedside table where a digital photo gallery features scrolling photos of grandchildren’s birthday parties, holidays, family pets, and her 99th birthday party, where she’s wearing a pretty purple outfit.
When asked what she’s most proud of in her 100 years, Aletha doesn’t hesitate with an answer.
“My family,” she said. “We get along pretty good.”
After a century of life, she reflects on how much the world has changed.
“Oh, it’s sure different now,” she said thoughtfully. “You didn’t hear about all the things going on like you do today.”
Still, her outlook remains uplifting and grateful as she looks back on 100 years.
“I feel pretty good,” she said with a smile. “I’m very blessed.”
🧡💙
To learn more about Lakewood’s senior living facilities, go to: https://www.lakewoodhealthsystem.com/care-services/senior-living/