Centenarian

Frankie Bartoo

Spokane

Frankie (Hallie) Bartoo celebrated her 104th birthday on Friday. She was born Aug. 4, 1902, in Harrington, Wash., and has been a resident of Eastern Washington her entire life. She has lived in Spokane for 94 years.

Bartoo met her husband, Hubert Bartoo, in Spokane. They were married April 29, 1924. He died in 1977.

Bartoo says that her most rewarding life achievement is learning. Whenever she had a new interest, such as chess or bridge, she would read books and take classes on the subject. She has a deep love for art, music, crafts and games. Bartoo has studied four languages. She taught and played the piano and guitar, and played piano on a local radio station in the 1930s.

Bartoo attributes her longevity to healthy eating habits.

When asked what her most memorable moment in her 104 years is, she spoke of when her son was born. Her son, Wallace Bartoo, lives in Seattle. Bartoo also has two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.