'Disposition of joy' hallmark of woman's life

In 1915, when Mabel Glunt Keibler was born, Woodrow Wilson was president, the United States had not yet entered the war in Europe, Babe Ruth hit his first career home run and women were still fighting for the right to vote.

Mrs. Keibler lived a quiet life in a century of upheaval, outliving two husbands.

For Mrs. Keibler, living to the age of 103 was not so much an accomplishment as it was the byproduct of a healthy lifestyle and strong faith.

“That had a lot to do with her longevity — her disposition and her outlook on life,” said the Rev. Ron Raptosh, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church, Delmont, where Mrs. Keibler was a longtime member.

Raptosh said Mrs. Keibler had a “disposition of joy” that was contagious. “She was a joy and blessing to be around. That was just her nature. … She extended those blessings to other people,” he said.

Mabel V. (Rubright) Glunt Keibler, of New Stanton, died Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. She was 103.

Born on Dec. 29, 1915, in Export, She was a daughter of the late Harry and Alta (Hill) Rubright. She was raised on a farm and walked five miles to school every day. Occasionally, she would get a ride from her aunt on horse-and-buggy.

“That was a long time ago,” said her daughter, Freda Richards.

She attended school in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from high school in Export.

She and her first husband, David Glunt, raised three children. She later went to work as a cook for Dick’s Diner, Murrysville, where she worked for 30 years. She retired at age 65.

Richards said her mother wasn’t known for any specialties but was an all-around good cook. “She just worked very hard,” she said.

Longevity was in her family. Her great-grandfather lived to be 101, Richards said.

“She lived a very clean life. She always watched her diet. She was just a very quiet person. She did holistic medicine. No smoking, no drinking,” Richards said.

She went to Medical Wellness Associates, Jeannette, for health care that blended traditional medicine with alternative treatments, her daughter said.

Mrs. Keibler also enjoyed sewing and used to make dresses in her spare time, Richards said.

“She was a very kind person. She had a very gentle spirit. She was a sweet lady,” she said.

In addition to First United Methodist, she was a member of AARP, Murrysville Golden Agers and Delmont Golden Agers.

“She had a profound faith in God,” Raptosh said. “The church meant a lot to her and was a big part of her life. … She was a lovely Christian woman.”

Mrs. Keibler was preceded in death by her first husband, David Glunt; and her second husband, Walter Keibler.

She is survived by a daughter, Freda Richards and her husband, James, of New Stanton; a son, Gary Glunt and his wife, Diane, of Penn; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Vaia Funeral Home, 463 Athena Drive, Delmont. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Interment at Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont, will be private.