Nimble 90-year-old loves life
She still goes to work twice a week, goes to gym, drives herself everywhere and loves to dance ... meet 90-year-old Phyllis Rudman, of Witfield.
On December 9, her family and friends gathered at the Witfield Methodist Church to throw an early birthday party for Phyllis, who celebrated her 90th birthday on December 13.
The sprightly pensioner was born in Lichtenburg in 1927 and moved to the East Rand with her parents when she was six years old.
Shortly after this she was enrolled at Wit Deep Primary School and started to attend services at the Witfield Methodist Church, making her one of the longest standing members of the church.
Phyllis married Vernon Rudman in 1950 and the couple had two children, Denise and Bruce, both of whom were christened and confirmed in the Witfield Methodist Church.
Phyllis first started working at a plumbing company. Following this, she worked for her brother, Ken Jacobs, at Comet Coal and then joined Vernon at his company, Rudman’s Transport, where she worked alongside him for many years.
Not one to remain idle, Phyllis also worked in the jewellery industry for 25 years and has worked for a local truck company for the past 26 years – where she still goes to work twice a week!
When Vernon died in 1994, Phyllis threw herself into community and church work.
At her birthday party her family and friends told Phyllis she is an inspiration and a treasured “antique”.
According to Phyllis, the secret to her radiant old age is never to let things get you down.
“When I have felt down, I have been surrounded by wonderful family and friends who picked me up.
“My life motto is: ‘Always look on the bright side’,” Phyllis said.
