Look Who it Was Random video

Covington's oldest resident dies at 109-years-old

227 views · Published 27 January 2017 · 2:10 · Indexed 21 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2017 · News & Politics

Watch on YouTube

COVINGTON, Ky. (WKRC) - One of the oldest residents living in Kentucky passed away Saturday, January 14. 

Opal Kwozalla was 109 and the oldest resident in Covington before her death. Kwozalla was born in Seelyville, Indiana in November 1907. She met her husband in Terre Haute, Indiana and they married on her 19th birthday in 1926. They moved to Covington in the 1930's when her husband got a job in town. 

The couple eventually moved to Florida and traveled to all 50 states. She celebrated countless lives beginning and more than enough ending. She saw the world around her change like she never knew it could. Her granddaughter, Shannon Herold, recalls her being amazed by technology.

"I would say the only type of technology she ever used was a cell phone and as a matter of fact we took a picture, so we have a picture of her talking on the cell phone for the very first time," said Herold.

She had plenty of stories to tell, but she preferred to hang back and watch. She was kind and soft-spoken. 

If you asked her what she attributed to her long life: "Her strong faith, a banana a day, and a smile. And she said that's the secret," said Herold.

Kwozalla used to say she was still alive because God forgot about her. Now her family never will. 

"The things that people are saying just proves what kindness and a good heart can do because she has touched so many people," said Herold.

Kwozalla is survived by her son, Bill, five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

More from this channel