SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Dorothy Krutulis inspires others.
The 97-year-old Schuylkill Haven woman, who celebrates her birthday today, gardens in the summer. Until recently, she had cut her own grass.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she arrives for exercise classes that are sponsored by Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries and is a role model of sorts for the women who work out with her.
"She's totally incredible. She really is. She's one of a kind, an inspiration," Betty Tellup, 76, of Cressona, said.
"She's an inspiration to all of us. She always comes in with a smile. She's ready to work hard," said Jan Dunkling, who leads the women, ages 59 to 97, in exercise.
The group has been meeting for about eight years at the First United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven. Attendance has grown from six women to the 37 that were present Thursday. Sometimes there area more in attendance, Dunkling said.
Some who exercise with Krutulis said she is more energetic than they are.
"She'll try everything. She's like the Energizer Bunny," said Dot Murphy, 63, of Lake Wynonah.
Gertie Skibiel, 78, of Schuylkill Haven, has known Krutulis for at least 60 years.
"Our children went to school together," she said, noting that Krutulis is determined and kind-hearted. "She always helps where she can."
Tellup said Krutulis' age doesn't slow her down when exercising.
"She just can keep up with everybody," Tellup said. "She doesn't' miss a beat."
Krutulis was born in Saint Clair, Feb. 6, 1915, one of 10 children. She lived in New Philadelphia and remembers studying by candlelight as a child to complete her school work.
She went to school until the 10th grade and regrets not finishing her education.
"I had to go work at 16 in a factory," she said while sitting on a chair in the church basement after an exercise session, "That was the Depression at that time, bad depression."
While her formal education ended early, she hasn't stopped learning.
"I constantly read" historical novels and mystery books, she said.
When Krutulis has to go somewhere, she relies on others. She doesn't drive and never has.
She attends Mass daily at St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church, Schuylkill Haven, except on rare occasions.
Her day starts at 5:45 a.m. to get ready for the 8 a.m. church service.
"Usually, I'm up at 4 (a.m.) now," she said. "I'm not fast in the morning."
Bedtime is usually about 10 p.m. or a little after, she said.
TV is a rarity for Krutulis.
"I don't sit. I don't like TV. I don't like the commercials," she said.
On the other hand, she does follow the presidential debates and thinks Newt Gingrich would make a good president.
"I'd love to see him be president," she said, saying he was a "brilliant man."
You won't find any pets in her house because of the responsibility.
"I told my family I don't want a dog. I don't want a cat. I don't even want a goldfish," she said.
Krutulis attributes her longevity to "hard work." One sister lived to be 100, and other siblings lived into their 70s and 80s, she said.
She is the mother of five children: three boys, one of whom is deceased, and two girls.
Her marriage to her husband, Joseph, lasted for 49 years and six months until his death in 1989.
Her advice for others is simple: "Just stay active. Don't sit." Dorothy Krutulis, 97, of Schuylkill Haven, lifts weights, above, and works out vigorously to a video, right, last week at First United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven.
She participates in exercise classes Tuesdays and Thursdays, sponsored by Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries.
Her friends say she is an inspiration. She says she likes to stay in condition. Story, Page 3