Happy 100th Birthday, Betty!

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – The community gathered to celebrate the birthday of an esteemed resident this afternoon; as Betty Wiechert turns 100 years old today.

Looking back upon 100 years of life, Weichert says a few favorite memories come to mind.

“When my first child was born, he was born on Mothers Day–Ted. And also, when my husband and I got to go to the Holy Land in ’83 with a group from Lutheran Church. I remember when I was in the Garden of Gethsemane–you know, when Christ was there. And, when you’re with the tour group you know how you leave–you have to leave because they’re going somewhere. And, I didn’t want to get up.I just felt like his presence was there with me. It was so wonderful.”

When asked for the secret to life, Betty has one piece of wisdom to offer.

“Always try to look for the good in people. Because, God made us and he made us for Him. And so, we need to look for the good even though worse people that we feel like, you know, that’s what we need to do. And do the best you can; always try to do the best you can. That’s all you you can do. Sometime you don’t have any control over the circumstances and you have to go along with it.”

Counting her six children, Wiechert has 141 direct descendants–all of whom are represented on a special quilt. Family members from as far away as Seattle, Washington came to celebrate the milestone. Wiechert asked that donations be made to local food banks to mark her special day.