Oldest Nebraskan dies at age 113

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By HILARY KINDSCHUH / Lincoln Journal Star

Helen Stetter saw three centuries in Nebraska, where she lived her entire life.

Born Nov. 18, 1893, in Chadron, Helen Stetter was the oldest person to have lived her entire life in Nebraska. Her family moved to Valentine when she was about 5 years old.

Stetter, the world’s fourth-oldest person and the oldest Nebraskan at the time of her death, died Friday in Valentine at 113.

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Helen Stetter

Helen Stetter

“She wasn’t in any pain or sick or anything,” said her second cousin, Bob Stetter, 70, who visited her almost every day. “Old age just finally got her.”

Helen Stetter’s mother, a homemaker, lived to be nearly 100. Stetter lived in the same house in Valentine until moving to Pine View Good Samaritan Center in 1989.

Stetter was the second oldest living American and the second oldest person in the history of Nebraska, according to E. A. Kral, a Wilber resident who researches centenarians.

“She has lived in the state longer than anyone else in history her entire life,” Kral said.

Stetter never married and never had a driver’s license, Bob Stetter said. She walked everywhere she went.

Helen Stetter remained in good health over the years, Bob Stetter said. She had not taken any medications for years, although in recent years her hearing had declined and she had lost her sight.

Still, she was able to answer questions, and she never complained, Bob Stetter said.

When she was younger, Helen Stetter enjoyed making candy and cookies to sell or give away, Bob Stetter said.

“She must not have eaten her own cooking or something — she was never overweight, always slender,” he said. “But then again, she walked everywhere.”

Bob Stetter often brought his cousin chocolate milk or Junior Mints, until about six months ago, when he became worried she might choke on the candy, he said.

“One day I was talking to her and she said, ‘I sure would appreciate a piece of candy,’” Bob Stetter said.

She would eat one or two pieces, and if Bob Stetter asked her if she wanted more, she would say, “No, I believe I’ve had enough,” he said.

She did not ever seem to be under much stress, Bob Stetter said.

“Helen didn’t really get excited about anything. She was on an even keel most of the time.”

Helen Stetter’s Episcopalian faith was important to her, Bob Stetter said.

“Every once in a while, I’d mention saying your prayers,” he said. “One time I said, ‘Helen, do you say your prayers every night,’ and she said, ‘Indeed, I do.’

“Not long ago I told her to be sure to eat good and sleep good and say your prayers, and she said, ‘That’s all we can do.’”

Reach Hilary Kindschuh at 473-7120 or hkindschuh@journalstar.com.