Ilo Louck celebrated her 105th birthday at the American Legion Hall

Ilo Louck, 105-years-young and her great-granddaughter, Jasmijn.

Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

Ilo Louck, who now lives with her son and daughter-in-law in Silver City was born in Ohio On Nov. 5, 1914. "We then moved to Pennsylvania, to New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, Minnesota, Wyoming. I've lived all over the place. I was 91 when I moved to Silver City," she said.

"Why have I lived so long?" Louck said aloud: "It's because I keep moving. I'm always optimistic and happy. You have to be. You can't worry too much. A lot of things happen in life and you have to move on. My mother always said: 'Don't worry about things you can't fix.'"

And this lady moves. Because her eyesight is waning, she uses a walker, but she sped across the floor at the American Legion Hall. Her daughter-in-law Susan Louck, said Ilo is doing therapy to build up her legs, so she doesn't have to rely on the walker.

Jerry Louck, Ilo's son, said: "If I do anything right, I would have to blame it on God or my mom. I was raised in an awesome home. My parents were wonderful to everyone. They took in other people's kids and raised them. The neighbor kids were always over at our house. My parents apologized to me for the chaos, but it was fun. I thank her for the love and kindness given to everyone. I thank Jesus for my having a mom like this."

For her 98th birthday, the family gave her a gold necklace with a 98 charm. They've added another charm each year and gave her the 105 charm at this birthday party.

Another tradition in the family is to use a very soft paddle to paddle the birthday person with a paddle for each year plus one to grow on. Ilo's great-granddaughter Jasmijn had the honor of paddling her great-grandmother on the shoulder 106 times. Everyone in the room counted along with her.

A member of the American Legion Auxiliary post 18, who made the food for the party, presented Ilo with a special certificate honoring her membership in the American Legion Auxiliary, because her husband was a member of the American Legion. The certificate honored her for 64 years as a member.

In lieu of covering the cake with 105 candles, the numbers 1,0, and 5 marked the occasion, and Ilo blew them out with one strong breath.