BIOGRAPHY

Ernestine Garst was born in McLean County, Kentucky, USA, on 16 July 1906. Her parents were Onis Washington Plain (1874–1961) and Annie Woodburn (1871–1954). She had three siblings: Truman Plain (1896–1987), Retha Bibb (1899–1937), and Kathryn Plain (1909–1919).

She and her husband, Gertie Franklin “Frank” Garst (1898–1958), spent most of their lives in Kentucky, except for a brief period during the Great Depression when they worked in the Detroit automotive industry. Frank Garst passed away in April 1958, and the couple never had children.

An active member of her community, she made it a priority to vote in every election. Her birthdays were celebrated as special occasions at Riverside Care & Rehabilitation Center, where she resided. She was also a devoted University of Kentucky basketball fan.

She always attributed her longevity to a deep faith in God and what she called a simple life on the farm.

Ernestine Garst passed away in Calhoun, Kentucky, USA, on 28 December 2017, at the age of 111 years, 165 days.

RECOGNITION

At the time of her passing, she was the oldest living person in the U.S. state of Kentucky.

Her age was verified by Eli Logan, Jimmy Lindberg, and Stefan Maglov, and validated by LongeviQuest on 29 March 2025.

ATTRIBUTION

* “McClean Co. Woman Credits Long Life To God And UK Wildcats” – LEX 18, 18 July 2015

* “McLean Co. Woman Celebrates 111th Birthday” – WEHT, 14 July 2017

* “Garst, oldest state resident, dies” – Messenger-Inquirer, 31 December 2017

* Frances Ernestine “Aunt Teen” Plain Garst – Find A Grave

GALLERY