Fun Time for the Young at Heart: Wilma's 100th

She was 100 years and one day old yesterday.  So her party meant all the more as she had already started her journey to 101 years young.  Wilma Erickson is a retired school teacher, who began living in Wrencoe in 1918 after her family moved from Kansas.

She stands with (no cane or walker) looking toward the photo of her younger years with husband Severt.  When I passed through the reception line to greet Wilma, she had two of her early students from Wrencoe School seated next to her---the Howard sisters.  Wilma also taught at Lincoln School and worked for a time with the War Department in Newark, New Jersey.  

During the lovely party for Wilma, which included a whole lot more familiar faces than I usually see around Sandpoint, Wilma introduced her nephew.  She told the audience of how she had given the violin, a family heirloom, to her nephew who's known for calling square dances.  Wilma asked him to play at her birthday party.  He explained to the guests that the violin turned fiddle once he started taking lessons because of the nature of his lessons.  He played two songs, during which Wilma stood the entire time.  Amazing woman and a great example. 

During the party I enjoyed visiting with several longtime friends and former students, including Elizabeth Foster Neuder and her hubby Steve.  Steve serves as pastor at First Lutheran Church.  I can remember many positive and fun times with both of them as students. 

Steve took this photo of Delores Campbell, me and himself.  Delores' daughter Karen and Steve were good friends.  And, Delores' mother Myrt and my mother were good friends.  So, I've enjoyed being friends with all of them.   

A couple of First Lutheran ladies, Elaine Clark and Dagmar Kirking.  In the background, Marjorie Barnes from the Selle Club, of which Wilma is a longstanding member. 

I've known these folks for a year or two and in many different ways.  Cathy is a retired educator, and I've known her and her brother Jack through St. Joseph's and a longtime family friendship.  Jack was one of those hayhands who helped out at our North Boyer farm.  I was first acquainted with his wife Sharon while student teaching at Sandpoint High School.  And, yes, Sharon, get those grandkids geocaching. You'll all enjoy it. 

Mrs. Holt aka Lucille.  She taught school here for years, and she stands with her son and my classmate Jim.  

This young gent has just three more years to wait for his 100th birthday party.  Bill Remmers, like Wilma, is just downright amazing with his memory and his upbeat spirit.  He told me yesterday he feels "just great" at 97.

All in all, it was a great party for a grand lady.  Attendees stretched across several aspects of my lifetime.  As far as I'm concerned every single one of them is a living gem.

Happy Sunday.