Gladys Simpson Spokane

Gladys (Borden) Simpson is 100 years old today. She was born Sept. 16, 1897, near Hope, N.D., and moved with her family to the area near Marshall, Wash., in 1899, the same year her father died, leaving her mother to raise eight children alone.

She married Carl Boone Simpson in 1918, and they worked at Natatorium Park as newlyweds. She also dipped chocolates for Tru Blue and was a saleswoman at Sears and the former S.H. Kress Department Store.

Mr. Simpson died in 1947.

The couple had two children: Barbara Hafner and Don Simpson, both of Spokane. She has four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Simpson attributes her longevity to being strong-willed and independent and having a good sense of humor.