From horse and buggy to space travel, Kathryn Humrich has seen it all

by Judy Williams

Visit with Kathryn Humrich, and she will tell you about going by horse and buggy to shop in Gregory or Pinckney, or she can discuss what’s going on in the world today. On the list of major changes this young 100-year-old has witnessed in her life, technology ranks high. Humrich has witnessed changes in everything from transportation to televisions, phones to computers, and just about everything else depended on in everyday life.
For all but two years of her life, this amazing woman has lived in the Gregory/Plainfield area—That’s almost 101-years.
From 1943 to 1945, during World War II, Humrich lived in Arizona. “Those two years away from my family were a very difficult time in my life,” she stated.
Humrich was born at the home of her parents, John and Eldiva (Mitchell) Roberts, in May 1919. The Roberts’ farm on Wasson Road, a few miles north of Gregory, is still owned and lived in by the Roberts family.
Daughters Linda and Elaine shake their heads and smile. “Mom is truly an amazing person from her entrance into this world at 1 lb.10 oz. to her age of almost 101.” Linda added, “Do you know that she has never had a surgery and the only medication my mom takes is an allergy pill?”
Humrich’s early elementary years were spent attending a country school at the corner of Roberts and Wasson Roads within walking distance of home. Later, she attended Gregory elementary and high school in Fowlerville, graduating in 1938.
Before marrying, Humrich worked at the Howard Marshall dry goods store in Gregory. On March 1, 1942, she married Ralph Humrich, her husband of 52 years. Her next job was as a homemaker and mother to their six children: Gary, Larry, Ron, Linda, Carol, and Elaine.
Humrich considers raising her children her greatest accomplishment. The family has expanded to 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
“She has a heart of gold and has always put her family first,” the sisters echoed. “She is the most easy-going person and is the happiest when surrounded by family. To this day I don’t think anyone can leave the house without her saying, ‘Be careful.’”
In 1965, Ralph purchased his business, R.W. Humrich & Sons, which continues as a family business. Humrich became the bookkeeper.
“One of her favorite things to do is travel,” daughter Elaine grinned. “Mom was always up for a travel adventure, and her favorite response when asked to go on a trip is, ‘Let me get my hat.’”
Church has always been an important part of Humrich’s life. Plainfield Methodist Church fellow member, Sue Wagner smiles as she talks about her.
“It’s hard to believe that a soft-spoken, unassuming woman could have such an everlasting impact on the Plainfield community and the Plainfield Methodist Church,” Wagner said. “For 40 years, I have witnessed the fine qualities of Kathryn Humrich and those qualities can be seen in the daily lives of her children and grandchildren. She is kind, generous, hard-working, and tenacious. A humble, faithful Christian, Kathryn has missed fewer Sunday services than some preachers. When she enters the church, love surrounds her.”
When asked her secret to a long life, Humrich replied, “I had nothing to do with it. It is all in God’s plan.”