99-year-old gets to observe how centenarians celebrate

With balloons behind them touting the occasion, from left, Heloise Warrington, Doris Mohr, Glenford Rupp, Elizabeth 'Betty' Rose, and Lorina Arps celebrate their 100th birthdays at the Elizabeth Scott Community in Maumee. THE BLADE/LORI KING Enlarge | Photo Reprints

It's not yet time to say "scoot over, make room for one more," but as Ann Miller watched birthday cake being served to honored guests, she remarked that she'll be next to join the centenarian's circle.

Mrs. Miller and dozens of other friends and relatives gathered last week in the Friendship Center at the Elizabeth Scott Community near Maumee for a birthday bash for not one, not two, not three, not four, but for five residents who are 100 years or older:

Elizabeth "Betty" Rose, born April 8, 1910; Heloise Warrington, born Nov. 29, 1910; Glenford Rupp, born May 24, 1911; Doris Mohr, born Sept. 20, 1911, and Lorina Arps, born Dec. 28, 1911.

Mrs. Miller is just one year shy of her centennial year. She will be 99 years old on Feb. 25.

Some called the five-centenarian event amazing. Other said it was remarkable. Matt Bucher called it historical.

"This has never happened here before," said Mr. Bucher, director of marketing for the independent living, assisted living, and long-term care facility. "Isn't this incredible?"

Just behind the guest-of-honor table, super-sized silver balloons in the shape of 1-0-0 floated from slender strands of ribbon.

Piped in blue near a cluster of yellow icing roses, the message on their birthday cake: "Celebrating over 500 years of life."

As slices of cake were served, local entertainer Ragtime Rick Grafing played "Happy Birthday," finishing with a flourish on the piano amidst a jumble of names as party-goers all at once sang out birthday wishes to the fab five.

Mr. Bucher attributed the residents' longevity to good genes, good nutrition, active lifestyles, and too, he teased, there's something in the water here.

Some of those at the guest-of-honor table were comparing notes, who is oldest, who is youngest.

Coincidentally, centenarians Mr. Rupp and Mrs. Mohr were both born in Fulton County where they attended Archbold High School.

Mr. Rupp said he went to a country school south of Pettisville in the elementary grades. He was born in Elmira, a small community not too far from Burlington, where Mrs. Mohr was born.

Mr. Rupp, who says he has lived beyond 100 years because he drinks a glass of Coca Cola every day, was married to Athelia for 72 years. Together, they had two daughters, four grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

Waterville resident Patti Durivage pins a corsage on her aunt, Heloise Warrington, at the centenarians' birthday celebration. THE BLADE/LORI KING Enlarge | Photo Reprints

For 40 years Mr. Rupp owned and operated the Rupp Seed Co. in the village of Whitehouse. He bought the seed store from Herbert Bucher, the great-grandfather of Matt Bucher.

He said he hasn't been doing much lately. "I am just getting older every day," he said with a wink.

Mrs. Mohr was president of the Archbold Class of 1929 and was active in school-theater productions.

She has a keen memory, something that is annoying (in a good way) to her daughter Mary Ann Cooper of Monclova Township, who says her mother often can remember dates, names, and places better than she can. "If someone asks something, she answers before me. It's maddening," she said with a laugh.

Mrs. Mohr, who lived most of her life in Toledo, taught fifth grade for 14 years at Warren and Longfellow elementary schools in Toledo and was a substitute teacher.

Although she had a teaching certificate, she went back to school to earn a college degree in education. She graduated from the University of Toledo in 1962, the same year her son David graduated from UT's law school, she said. David, who lives in Florida, was unable to attend the party.

Mrs. Mohr was married to Marvin Mohr for 70 years.

Miss Warrington, the oldest of eight children, was born in West Millgrove near Fostoria, and moved to the Toledo area before the age of 5. A member of the first graduating class at Whitmer High School in 1928, she worked for 42 years as a supervisor for Ohio Bell.

A co-worker of Miss Warrington was among those attending the party. "She was my boss," said Betty Mattimoe of Sylvania. "She was strict, but she was very fair."

Born and raised in Henry County, Mrs. Arps worked on her family's farm and was an employee at a bakery in Napoleon. She married Elden Arps when she was 25; they were married 55 years. Mr. Arps and his father and brother ran Arps Dairy, she said. "I think it is the only dairy left in the Defiance area," she said.

She's not sure exactly why she has lived to be 100: "I guess I always worked hard and exercised hard."

Mrs. Rose, who was an avid gardener with a green thumb for strawberries and other plants, not only lives in the same complex as four other centenarians, but her husband lived to be 100. Al Rose, who was a resident at the Elizabeth Scott Community, died last year at 100.

Mrs. Rose was a homemaker in Oregon. She loves being outdoors, especially when she can sit in the sunshine. She likes to keep busy and is proud whenever she wins at bingo, said her son Dave Rose of Findlay.

Her daughter, Sharon Kourous of Monroe, remarked on the celebration for five people who, all totaled, have lived more than 500 years. "It's an amazing thing," she said. "It really is."

And when Mrs. Miller turns 100 next year, it will be even more remarkable, several said.

Mrs. Miller, who said she lived in Blissfield, Mich., for about 20 years, was married to Ned Miller for 63 years. He died in 2004. They had no children.

The Millers traveled to Australia twice and to many places in the United States to attend auto racing events; Mr. Miller was a mechanic.

"It was Indy cars racing then. Not like those NASCARS today. I registered the teams and signed up corporate sponsors. I wasn't really into racing, but I liked the people. That's where I got my kicks."

As she talked about the most lovely party for the Elizabeth Scott residents, she pondered why she and others in the room have celebrated so many birthdays.

"I really can't explain it," she said, but then added, glancing heavenward, "It comes from above."