Helen Hilty blows out 105 candles on her birthday cake today at Maple Crest.

Mrs. Hilty born was in 1913. That was just a few months after Woodrow Wilson became president, and seven years before enactment of the 19th amendment to the constitution allowing women the right to vote.

Attending a one-room school on Route 12 between Columbus Grove and Pandora, she graduated from Pandora High School.

She was the sixth of nine children born to Emma and Elmer Campbell. She married Dr. Donald Hilty, a Columbus Grove dentist, and lived most of her life in Columbus Grove.

Her daughters, Ann Hilty, Sue (Chris) Wilson and Nancy (Dave) Wilson, grew up on Columbus Grove, Mrs. Hilty has five grandchild and three great-grandchildren.

And to the question, what’s the secret of living beyond the century milestone, she replies: “Good genes and a true love for life.”

She has enjoyed a lifetime of gardening, decorating, the arts and volunteering in several local organizations.

Mrs. Hilty was a lifelong member of the Columbus Grove Presbyterian Church and now is a member of Bluffton Presbyterian Church.

She is a resident of Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton.

PHOTOS:
• With their mother are, standing from left, Nancy Wilson, Ann Hilty and Sue Wilson.

• Marge Hilty, Helen's sister-in-law, give Helen a birthday greeting.