'Unique individual': Utah woman celebrates 102nd birthday with cake, music and friends

Mary Lou Holtman enjoys her 102nd birthday at the Autumn Park Senior Living Center in Washington, June 13.

Mary Lou Holtman enjoys her 102nd birthday at the Autumn Park Senior Living Center in Washington, June 13. (Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News)


Save Story

WASHINGTON, Washington County — Mary Lou Holtman's dark blue eyes twinkled as "Happy Birthday" rang out Friday, marking the 102nd year of this Washington resident's life.

Autumn Park Senior Living Center hosted the celebration for Holtman. She was born in Holly, Colorado, and has outlived her nine siblings. She has two children. She told the senior assisted living center staff she plans to live at least three more years at the Autumn Park Senior Living Center.

The center's administrator, Scott Gill, told St. George News she is a "unique individual."

"Mary Lou is incredibly dynamic and engaging in her conversations with others," Gill said. "Even though she has limitations, such as hearing loss and visual loss, she's able to connect. I think it's through just her spirit, her spirit of life, her enthusiasm for life, her love for people. When we go into her room, we usually communicate with a whiteboard, writing things down."

Read the entire story at St. George News.

Most recent Southern Utah stories

Related topics

UtahSouthern UtahLifestyle
Stephanie DeGraw

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
    Newsletter Signup

    KSL Weather Forecast

    KSL Weather Forecast
    Play button