Jasper Jottings ————————— The daily achievement journal of my fellow Jaspers, the alumni of Manhattan College

http://www.gbtribune.com/news.php?id=2721

110 Candles
Jennie Fanshier celebrates milestone
By SUSAN THACKER
January 26, 2010 @ 10:27pm

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Jennie Fanshier has seen it all — from the horse-and-buggy days to the era of jet airplanes. She’s even taken a helicopter ride with her grandson, Ron Koelsch. On Monday, Fanshier celebrated a milestone few will reach: her 110th birthday.

Staff and residents at Great Bend Health & Rehabilitation Center marked the occasion with cake after being serenaded by the Great Bend High School Jazz Band and Ellinwood High School’s Mystic Blues choir.

“Welcome to my 110th birthday,” she said. “One hundred … and 10 … years old!”

The wedding dress and high-top lace-up shoes she wore when she married Henry Fanshier on June 4, 1921, at St. John were on display at the front of the room. Seeing the treasured dress, she pointed it out to a friend. “My sister made it,” she said.

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“During World War II tires and many other supplies were rationed. Lightning struck our garage, burning the building and car. We needed transportation so managed to buy one at a ‘black market’ price. Robert enlisted in the service from Manhattan College. He was overseas for more than two years. After the war he returned to college, got his degree, and taught G.I.S. on the farm program. As we worked throughout the years, we prospered with the help of a little oil under our land. Great Bend also prospered with the oil boom. In 1945 the farmers got electricity. I could scarcely believe the changes in our lives: electric stove, refrigerator, lights, radio, hot water, followed by a TV. Who could ask for more?”

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In 1994, she wrote a brief autobiography, noting these and other events, including her husband’s passing in 1973.

“I asked the doctor what is keeping me here,” she wrote at age 94. “He replied, ‘It’s your sense of humor.’”

“Joy comes to all ages — the love we hope to keep, the bonds uniting us and ours together. Always. — I will finish with love and a hug.”

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Fanshier, Henry [MC???? RIP]

[JR: A delightful story and it sounds like we have Jasper report! Happy BDay to a brave Jasper widow.]

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