Beech Tree News Network

Family and friends of Exie Ruth Hawes gathered at Morgantown Care and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday, December 23, to celebrate her upcoming 100th birthday. Exie was born on her family farm near Dunbar, Kentucky, on January 6, 1918, to Ustus and Gusta Kitchens. She was the only girl out of seven children. She married Rex Hawes in 1943, and they had two children, Kenneth Hawes and Sarah Hawes Cannon, as well as five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Mrs. Hawes was the owner and manager of Dunbar General Merchandise Store. After managing the store for 20 years, she sold it and bought the Sandwich Shop in Morgantown. In 1972, she sold the Sandwich Shop to her son and became a housewife. She enjoyed being active in her church, Big Muddy Missionary Baptist. Friends and family say they remember Mrs. Exie staying busy with her favorite things, including quilting, working in her flowers, sewing, cooking, baking, and getting “out and about.”

Mrs. Hawes has been a resident of Morgantown Care and Rehabilitation Center since she was 96. When asked her secret to living 100 years, she said she “worked some, played some, and prayed some,” and said, “A person is in God’s hands. You help Him, and He helps you. He wants us to work and help somebody else.”
She shared some of her favorite things, saying her favorite memory was “when I was at home with my mother and daddy and churning and making butter.” In sharing her love for Butler County, she said, “They help people. If someone truly needs help, the people will help them.”

When asked what she thinks about turning 100 years old, she smiled and said, “I’m in the Lord’s hands.”