Woman celebrates 100th birthday with family, friends

Inez Miller was ready to stop being the center of attention.

But when you turn 100, that’s just the way it goes.

Born Feb. 28, 1915, in Mahnomen, Minnesota, Miller moved to Idaho where she graduated from Bonners Ferry High School. She graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in teaching and lived in the Tri-Cities in Washington from 1945 to 2014. She moved to The Springs at Whitefish just nine months ago.

At her birthday party on Friday, one thing was clear: Miller is sharper than ever.

“It feels just like it felt when I turned 90,” she said of her milestone birthday. “I don’t think I want to be 110. That’s too old.”

Miller and her husband Al, who died in 2008, have three children, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Most attended the family matriarch’s party, with punch and cake served and the Whitefish High School cheerleading squad putting on a show for the retirement community.

But even with the family support, living to 100 isn’t an easy feat. Miller said it was just good luck.

“I don’t have any secret,” she said. “I never had any special diet. I got a lot of exercise outdoors, but I don’t know why I made it.”

Up until last year, Miller lived alone in Pasco, Washington, and still drove herself around town.

Her son Ron marvels at his mom’s longevity and ability to keep learning.

“She texts and can send photos on her iPhone,” he said. “She plays Words With Friends on her phone and plays bridge. She’s learning to play Mahjong right now.”

After teaching for 30 years and raising her three children — Ron, Barbara Marshlain and Kathy Muhlbeier — Miller wasn’t one to take a break.

That’s why when she got to The Springs at Whitefish, she immediately asked for a job. Miller is The Springs’ newest librarian, as well as the oldest.

Reporter Ryan Murray can be reached at 758-4436 or rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.