105-year-old Elkhart woman receives second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

ELKHART, Ind. (WNDU) - In 105 years, Elkhart resident Nellie Yoder, who stays at assisted living facility Eastlake Terrace, never thought receiving a vaccine would feel so good.

“Whatever they say, if it takes two shots or three I will take them.”

In that same time, Yoder says she never thought it would happen sitting next to Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson with all of her friends lined to be fully vaccinated with her.

“I’m grateful to the city and you all for making this day possible. Yeah, I mean it. I don’t know what else to say. I’m going to cry,” Eastlake Terrace Executive Director Tammy Denlinger says.

However, what Yoder has seen before is a pandemic.

“I feel like I’m one of the lucky ones that made it. I almost got lost when I was three years old with the flu,” Yoder explained.

But from the Spanish flu in 1917, “It was worse. There wasn’t a whole they can do for us,” Yoder said.

To COVID-19 in 2020 & 21, “My last years and I can’t have my family come in.”

Yoder says the secret to living a long and healthy life...listening to your doctor like she did when received the vaccine.

“Oh, by all means, take it,” Yoder says.

Yoder says her final ingredient to living until 105-years-old...laughter.

“Laughter is good for the soul. Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone. That’s my motto,” Yoder said laughingly.

Yoder will turn 106-years-old in March. She says her wish is to be able to one day see all of her family and friends in-person like she used to.

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