 Turning 84 Wednesday, Feb. 5, doesn't slow down avid fisherman Bonnie Deitz of East Fork community, who is known to have "outfished" the chief of police at Kure Beach on several occasions.
Every time Bonnie Deitz of East Fork travels to Kure Beach, she embarrasses the chief of police. Chief Dennis Deitz hates having to tell the fellows at the station that he got "beat out" by his 84-year-old grandmother. Avid fisherman Bonnie Deitz loves to fish and is so good at it she can "outfish" her grandson. "Dennis has to take her out in the boat when we go down to see him," said his mother and Bonnie's daughter, Louise Deitz, of their trips to Wilmington. "Mom has to steer, too, and be in control. She will tell Dennis, 'Let them bite, I'll catch 'em.' "When a storm comes up, she will say, 'I am neither sugar or salt, so I won't melt; now, let's get on with the fishing.' "They will come back from a day of fishing, and Dennis's shirt tail will be hanging, his hair all messed up and he's perspiring. Mom will be right behind him with lots more fish, a spring in her step and a big smile telling you it's been a great day." Not only does she beat her grandson at fishing, she beats her daughters at miniature golf. "Mom can do more than both of us put together," agreed Louise Deitz and Joyce Weber. "It may be winter now and not great fishing weather, but that doesn't slow Bonnie down," said her sister, Dot Crowe of Sylva. "She exercises every day. She crochets, sews, makes a garden, cans, bakes and cooks anytime the six grandchildren or four great-grandchildren come to visit, which is often." "Nanny," as they call her, turned 84 Wednesday, Feb. 5. She was one of 15 children born to the late Donnie and Selma Frizzell. Her son, Bill Deitz of Alabama, points out that in addition to a high level of energy, "Mom also has the best sense of humor." As she split firewood on the porch of her 180-year-old home place, Bonnie Deitz said, "Just because you are 84 doesn't mean you have to sit around and rock." |