CRESTVIEW — The sparkling, sugar-dusted pink frosting on Ruth Langdon’s birthday cake matched her hair clip as North Okaloosa County added another centenarian to its census.
Langdon, who only recently moved into the Crestview Rehabilitation Center, was surprised by the birthday party thrown by center staffers in her honor this afternoon.
In addition, family members from Indiana flew to Northwest Florida for the occasion.
Joining two of her children, Joan Hollmann and Bob Langdon, who live in Crestview, were grandchildren Penny Blake, Candy Booe and Rodney Beaman.
“We actually have six generations in the family,” Beaman said.
“It’d be something if we could get them all together, but they’re in Indiana,” Hollmann added.
The family members tallied up Langdon and her late husband, Clifford’s, descendants, arriving at 2 children, 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren, and one great great great granddaughter.
Resident JoséGoicochea treated the gathering to a robust rendition of “Happy Birthday to You” before everyone enjoyed punch with the chocolate birthday cake with its pink whipped cream icing.
Langdon attributes her longevity to keeping a healthy lifestyle.
“I live a clean life,” she said. “I didn’t smoke. I didn’t drink. And I keep active.”
And as for the biggest change she’s seen over the last 100 years, her answer was instantaneous.
“Computers,” she said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Out-of-town family members surprise 100-year-old on her birthday