Centenarian

Sadie Virginia Lynn Rima

Spokane

Sadie Virginia Lynn Rima, the eldest enrolled member of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, celebrated her 100th birthday on Monday. She was born on April 2, 1907, in Peach, Wash.

She met her husband, Charles, at the West End Reservation, and they were married in 1927. He died in 1974.

Rima worked as a cook and a cook’s assistant. Today she is a resident of Alderwood Manor and attributes her longevity to the strength she receives from her “lord and savior.”

When asked what the most memorable moment in her 100 years has been, Rima mentions ringing in the New Year in 2000. She says being the eldest of the Tribe is her greatest achievement.

Rima has five children, Charles Rima Jr., Spokane; Vaughn Rima, Audrey LeBret and Keith Rima, all of Wellpinit, Wash.; Barbara Barger, St. Helens, Ore.; 32 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great-grandchildren. Her twin children, LaVelle Rima and LaVerle Rima, are deceased.