Commemorating the 100th Birthday of Charles Muth

Assembly Resolution No. 1230

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

        COMMEMORATING the 100th Birthday of Charles Muth

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished  citizens  who  have  reached  the  remarkable
milestone of 100 years of age, whose longevity and accomplishments are a
testament  to  their  strength, character, and enduring contributions to
their communities; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Birthday of Charles Muth, to be celebrated on  May
15, 2026; and

  WHEREAS, Charles Muth was born on May 15, 1926, on his family's farm
on Happy Valley Road in Verona, New York, the son of Charles A. and Emma
(VanDeWalker) Muth; and

  WHEREAS,  Raised  on  the  family farm known as Floral Hill, Charles
Muth developed a strong work ethic at an early age, walking to school as
a child and later riding a bicycle into Rome to work at a local  canning
factory, while continuing to assist his father with the dairy farm; and

  WHEREAS,  Floral  Hill  Farm, named for the vibrant gladiola flowers
once grown and sold there, became a symbol of hard  work  and  community
connection,  and  Charles Muth continues that tradition today by growing
flowers to share with his local Lutheran Church; and

  WHEREAS, On June 11, 1949, Charles Muth met the love  of  his  life,
Alice  A. Secor, at a Girl Scout party; their meeting sparked a lifelong
partnership, and they were united in  marriage  on  December  11,  1949,
building a loving family together and raising five children; and

  WHEREAS,  A  dedicated  farmer,  Charles  Muth managed the demanding
responsibilities of milking approximately 80 cows while also serving his
community as the driver of School Bus No. 2; and

  WHEREAS, In recognition  of  his  agricultural  excellence,  he  was
honored as "Hay King" at the New York State Fair in the early 1950s; and

  WHEREAS,  Charles  Muth  was  an  active  and  engaged member of his
community, serving as Treasurer for the Oneida Madison Co-op  and  as  a
Town Councilman for the Town of Verona for eight years; and

  WHEREAS,  A longtime member of the Farm Bureau, he remains among its
oldest members and even participated in international  travel  with  the
organization, including a memorable trip to Spain; and

  WHEREAS,  Alongside  his  many  responsibilities, Charles Muth found
time to enjoy life's simple pleasures, including  bowling  with  friends
and  vacations  at Brantingham Lake, demonstrating a lifelong balance of
work, family, and fellowship; and

  WHEREAS, After selling the family farm, Charles and his beloved wife
Alice  continued  to  build  their  life  together,  becoming   seasonal
residents  in  Florida until her health declined; he remained devoted to
her care throughout her illness until her passing; and

  WHEREAS, Even after experiencing a mild stroke in 2024, Charles Muth
has  remained  active  and independent, attending church weekly, playing
bingo regularly, maintaining his household, and continuing to drive; and

  WHEREAS, Today, he is lovingly cared for  by  his  eldest  daughter,
reflecting  the  strong  family bonds he helped cultivate throughout his
life; and

  WHEREAS, Having lived through a century of profound change,  Charles
Muth  stands  as  a living witness to history and a model of resilience,
dedication, and service; and

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of such enduring character and achievement, whose lives  enrich
the  fabric  of  their  communities  and  the  State  of  New York; now,
therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commemorate the 100th Birthday of Charles Muth, celebrating a century of
life  marked by hard work, devotion to family, and service to community;
and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to Charles Muth.