Erma Klatt: 84 And Still Volunteering

Erma Klatt, 84, Has Been Volunteering For Decades

Most of her students simply know Erma Klatt as "grandma."

Eighty-four-year-old Klatt has spent her life volunteering. She is currently a volunteer for the Foster Grandparent Program at Big Sky Elementary in Billings, Mont., where she spends three days a week teaching second grade special needs kids -- and she isn't even close to retiring, MSNBC reports.

"I volunteer because I care for children, and they keep me young and healthy and I couldn't think of a better job," Klatt told the news source.

Being a foster grandparent has special meaning for Klatt.

When she was 4, Klatt entered foster care, moving between families eight times and never finishing high school. At 16, Klatt began her life of service: by repairing battleships during the war, MSNBC reports.

Her family now includes five generations of veterans. Barbara Brady, program director for the foster grandparent program, told the news source its not her age that's inspiring -- its her persistence.

"Her whole life has been a life of service in one form or another, but just because you're 84 doesn't mean you have to stop," Brady said.

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