Celebrating a century

Time flies, even for centenarians.

Leona Holmes hit 100 years of age today. The milestone is a marker anyone would be lucky to reach, but the Hartley woman didn't exactly have it circled on her calendar.

"I didn't even know it was catching up on me until my son started asking me about my party," Holmes admitted.

She and her family will celebrate her century of life during a party at Crazy Bob's. After a year of pandemic-induced lockdown, Holmes was looking forward to seeing everybody in the flesh again.

"I said that when I turn 100, I want to see my family, because some I haven't seen in so long," she said. "It'll be fun. I like to see the little ones."

Holmes was born on a farm near Melvin and later married Wilbur Wacker. Together they had two children, Barb and Dennis. The couple bought a house in Hartley and Leona lived there until moving into Community Memorial Assisted Living, where she resides today.

After Wilbur passed away, she was blessed with a second relationship and marriage to Ray Holmes. They shared six years together before his death in 2002.

Prior to the golden years of retirement, Leona worked at Bill & Nora's coffee shop, Earl Yager's dime store and the Hartley Drug Store. She said she enjoyed all her jobs.

Leona credits her long life to her parents, who she said started her out in the right direction. She also noted that having patience, having fun and having a good work ethic have kept her going.

Leona enjoyed crafts, baking and sewing in her younger years. However, her eyes don't work so well anymore, so she spends most of her time watching TV or simply gazing out the window. She makes sure to get her rest, too.

"I was feeling pretty good, but one day I just started sleeping a lot," she said.

Leona is a proud grandmother to five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Though she'll no doubt receive plenty of cards and gifts for her big birthday, their presence will be the best present of all.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone," she said.