Supercentenarian Profile

Leota Joerger

Born:

1913-01-17

Bureau County, Illinois

United States

Died:

2024-05-02

Mendota, Illinois

United States

✔ Age Certified by LongeviQuest

Leota Joerger (née Etheridge) was an American supercentenarian.

BIOGRAPHY

Leota Joerger was born in Bureau County, Illinois, USA on 17 January 1913. Her parents were Guy Etheridge and Bessie Maloy. She had a brother, Guy Etheridge, and three sisters: Marguerite Burlingame, Hester Anderson, and Bernice Eich, all of whom she outlived.

On 20 August 1929, she married to Rufus C. Joerger Sr. in Saint Bernard, Nebraska. They had two children: Rufus and Lorraine. Her husband passed away in September 1985. She was a devout member of Holy Cross Church and belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society. Before nursing home care was available, she housed five elderly ladies in her home, earning $68 a month for each. At the age of 100, she moved into a nursing home after being cared for by her daughter, Lorraine, for 14 years.

Joerger passed away at Allure of Mendota nursing home in the city of Mendota, Illinois, USA on 2 May 2024. She was survived by her daughter, six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and four great-great-great-grandchildren.