The 'Quilt Maker': 106-year-old quilter, businesswoman

MAPLETON, N.D. (WDAY TV/CNN Newsource/WKRC) -- Everyone in Mapleton, North Dakota, knows Myrtle Farrell.Over the years, she babysat children for most of the town. And for decades, she has been known as the "Quilt Maker."There is more to the story. She's still doing it today as a business, and she is 106.After helping with the morning dishes, Myrtle Farrell is at her sewing machine.I have to have them pressed them this way, said Myrtle Farrell.It's just another work day.If I was sewing on this end, I would be running into these seams.At the age of 106, Myrtle may be the oldest businesswoman in North Dakota, dewing quilts and selling them still; detailed, intricate work.Myrtle married during the Depression...Could not afford a dress; wore what we had. Lived in Cass County her whole life. She even remembers Civil War veterans in town. Teddy Roosevelt was president when she was born. And since she was too young to move into a nursing home, she recently moved in with her longtime neighbors, where every day, she cuts, stitches, and makes baby quilts for hundreds.I think it is her lifestyle. She grew up on a small farm, her parents rented, worked hard for a living. She wants to be productive, said Jean Madsen, Myrtles friend.She has made 300 quilts the last three years alone, all tagged with her name. Her mind is sharp, hands worn from work, but the quilt-making goes on. She has more to do before turning 107 later this year.She likes to be busy," said Madsen.Myrtle was born in Fargo, and still recites the exact street address.And before we left, she recited the entire "Village Blacksmith" poem, all three minutes of it, word for word; something she memorized back in country-school. We figure back in 1918. Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!