She can still redecorate her apartment
SENIOR PROFILE
Cleo Litz
Age: 93.
Residence: Mississippi Terrace in Brainerd.
Memory you won't forget: I grew up in the depression, so we took care of things because you didn't know if you'd get anymore. At that time, we didn't get any help to pay bills, we saved every penny ... There were no welfare handouts. I was in high school and I had one good outfit. I'd wear it to church and when we got home I took it off.
Motto you live by: I try to be independent and take care of myself. I pay a lady to do my laundry for two hours a week and I have a senior companion who comes to see me.
Any health issues: I've been legally blind for 10 years, but I can see. I have macular degeneration. I drove from age 15 to my late 80s.
Cleo Litz of Brainerd took a break last month while shopping at the Westgate Mall to talk a little about herself. Brainerd Dispatch/Jennifer Stockinger» Purchase reprints of this photo.
What did you do in your younger years: My late husband, Leon, who everyone called 'Curly,' and I ran a resort, Seguchie Lodge, just south of Garrison, for 27 years. It's no longer there. We lived on Mille Lacs Lake for 50 years before we moved to Brainerd. He (Leon) passed away 10 years ago. We were married for 64 years. It's not easy living without him, but you get accustomed to it.
Family: Two daughters, eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
Any current projects: I finished redecorating my apartment. Not too many 93-year-olds do that. I decided one day that I didn't like my drapes so I redecorated in a different color and style.
Books: I've always loved to read and now I get those talking books because I can't see.
Your idea of perfect happiness: Being able to take care of myself and to have my family around.
- By Jennifer Stockinger, Staff Writer