MILESTONE BIRTHDAY

What is the secret to a long life? "Being born and raised in Montana, especially Paradise," according to Betty Meyer, who celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday.

Five generations of family members joined the community in celebrating Meyer turning 100 on June 12. The event Saturday at the Paradise Center was filled with surprises and honors for Meyer. Family members came from as far as Colorado, Louisiana, California, Washington and British Columbia.

After guests greeted Meyer and the party got going with the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, Meyer and guests stepped outside the Paradise Center and were welcomed by the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department and Plains Mayor Joel Banham. When it was announced that the fire trucks were outside, Meyer quipped "probably to blow out all the candles." She said the visit from the fire trucks was wonderful. Back inside, a video message from Sen. Jon Tester was played for Meyer. "Betty, you are a model of what it means to be a Montanan," Tester said.

Bill Beck of Plains wished Meyer a happy birthday. "I'd say many more but I don't know if that's appropriate," he joked. "It is," Meyer replied. "I plan on hanging in there as long as they'll keep me."

"My grandfather was the first custodian at Paradise School. I went here nine years because I flunked the first grade. I couldn't sit still," she explained. After graduating from Plains High School, Meyer lived in the Seattle area for 40 years before coming back home to Paradise after retirement.

Meyer's church family of the United Methodist churches in Plains and Paradise surprised her with a special gift, a watercolor portrait of Meyer by artist Jessica Glenn of Missoula. The painting depicted various parts of Meyer's life, from her childhood to her military service. "I've been going to that church since I was big enough to carry my pennies over there," Meyer explained. "That church is truly my family. Thank you so much." Karval Pickering recited a poem called "Retrospect" for Meyer, saying she has known Meyer her whole life. Pickering told the story of when Meyer was coming home from the service and Pickering's aunt Charlotte getting ready for a night out with Meyer. She put her hair in pin curls and donned Grandma's rhinestone necklace and heels, "All because Betty came home. Four years later, Betty came home to stay," Pickering said.

David Gorham, Meyer's grandson, spoke over the crowd and asked, "Hey Grandma. Did you ever think your grandkids would be senior citizens?" "No," Meyer said, "but I noticed lately some of them have more gray hair than me."

"I'm so happy everybody came," Meyer said. "I'll never forget this. Friends are really important in life and I count myself lucky."

Meyer told guests how with all her family at her house, they had a plumbing issue and had to have a plumber come out to the house and a portable toilet while the work was being completed. "It was just like when I was a kid. I thought I was done with that," she joked. Meyer commended Scott Rice with Silvertip Plumbing who came and fixed the plumbing but didn't charge her. "He said he didn't charge anybody that's 100 years old," Meyer said in thanking Rice publicly

"I've led a very good life. I'm happy and fortunate," Meyer said as she addressed the crowd of more than 60 people who attended the celebration, to which Karval Pickering responded, "We're the fortunate ones, Betty."