Grants Pass woman turns 102

Grants Pass, Ore. — In 1914, World War I began. The world’s first red and green traffic lights were installed, and a first class stamp cost just two pennies. In 1914 Grants Pass resident Bertha Smith was born in the small town of Kadoka, South Dakota, and on Tuesday, she celebrated a milestone birthday.

“My life, has been a very happy one,” Bertha Smith says.

Bertha Smith is pretty good with numbers. She was 1 of 8 children, married 30 plus years, with 3 kids, and 7 grandkids. Keeping track of all that is impressive enough, but get this, even at 102, Bertha still balances her own check book every month.

With family by her side Tuesday, Bertha blew out candles for the 102nd time. A woman who lived through the first and second world wars, now savvy to selfies and “Dutch Nation”.

“I love Dutch Bros Coffee,” Smith says, “I got one right from the window!”

In addition to her love for coffee Bertha was an avid baker, when she wasn’t making Norwegian pastries her kids were getting a lot of advice.

“Be true to yourself and be true to others,” son Buford Smith says, “and just make the best of everything as it comes.”

As for her recipe for living this long, she says she stayed active, and ate properly. Bertha has also been a member of the VFW for 70 years. She’s also never drank, smoked, or driven a car in her entire life.

 

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