26 Jan Margaret Stadden: 100 Years Old, a UB Member for 75 Years

Margaret Stadden has been a United Brethren member for 75 years, and at the same church: Pixley UB in Pixley, Calif. That must be some kind of record. On January 12, Margaret turned 100 years old, and the church honored her life, longevity, and service to the congregation.

Margaret became a member of Pixley UB in 1943 shortly after becoming a farmer’s wife and moving from Corcoran, Calif. Her three children, Karen, Richard and Julie, grew up in the church. Margaret was mostly involved in Christian education–Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and youth ministry–and held various offices in the local Women’s Missionary Association.

Margaret is a renowned cook; her baked goods have won prizes at the Tulare County Fair. She remains mentally sharp and active, continues living in her own home, and until recently, drove herself to church on Sunday mornings. More recently, she is only able to attend when one of her children brings her.

“Margaret has always been loving and supportive of me and my family,” says Rod Bittick who has pastored Pixley UB since 1985. “She has always been a supportive church member and personal friend to Melody and me, someone we can always rely on for emotional and spiritual support. Margaret is a remarkable woman, and it is a great honor to be her pastor.”