Williamstown—Caroline Ransdell, member of Williamstown Baptist Church since 1971, turned 105 on Nov. 13.

Ransdell has served her church in many capacities over the years as a librarian, a Sunday School teacher, a member of Woman’s Missionary Union, and as church historian.

“She’s been really active in our church, as far as the historical side of it. She’s always been interested in history,” Marietta Hedges, Williamstown Baptists’ church historian, said.

Ransdell, a graduate of University of Kentucky, taught home economics, biology and advertising to high school children for 32 years. To this day, students will stop by and pay her a visit.

“It was God’s plan and I loved it,” Ransdell told Grant County News, referring to her teaching career.

Until recently, due to health issues, she continued to serve in her church as well as her community.

Ransdell told Grant County News that her hobbies include history and going to church.

She also said that her secret to life was “having wonderful parents and being raised to be kind to others.”

Ransdell’s first husband, Theo McWhorter, died in a car accident leaving her with two sons, Raymond and Donald. She was later remarried to Alva Ransdell and they had one son, James, who died of cancer when he was 9.

“God has truly blessed her with abundant life and she is a great blessing to all who know and love her,” Hedges said.

“She has made a lot of contributions to our church in many different ways,” she added. (WR)