Centenarian

Ellen Clinton

Spokane

Ellen T. Clinton celebrated her 100th birthday Tuesday. She was born Nov. 14, 1906, in Copeland, Idaho, and has been a resident of Spokane since 1918.

Clinton met her first husband, Jimmie Engle, at North Central High School, where they were both students. They were married in 1927. He died in 1935.

She met her second husband, George Astleford, when they were in grade school. They married in 1937 and were married for 25 years. He died in 1963.

In 1965, Clinton married Russell Clinton. They were together for 33 years, before he died in 1998.

Clinton was a stay-at-home mom but says that along with her kids, working in her yard and making crafts always kept her busy. She made Christmas ornaments, crocheted doilies and knitted afghans to give away to family and friends. She says one of her greatest accomplish- ments was becoming a bowler. She began bowling at age 35 and continued until she was 95.

Clinton attributes her longevity to her full Danish heritage. She says that she never worries about anything and eats an apple and an orange every day.

When asked what her most memorable moments in the past 100 years were, she said that the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and World War II were among the most unforgettable.

Clinton has five children: John Clinton, Everett; and Shirlee Simonson, Richard Astleford, Linda Simmons and Shirelle Oeser, all of Spokane. She has 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.