Centenarian

Ruth Bollman

Spokane

Ruth Emeline Bollman is celebrating her 100th birthday today. She was born June 9, 1907, in Berthoud, Colo., and has been a resident of Spokane for the past 70 years.

Bollman met her husband, Earl, in Orofino, Idaho. They were married in 1930. He died in 1970.

Bollman was a licensed practical nurse and says her most rewarding life achievement has been watching her children and grandchildren grow “under the Lord’s care.”

She attributes staying active to living a long and healthy life, and says the Lord hasn’t taken her home yet. She says playing Scrabble also helps.

When asked what her most memorable moment in her past 100 years has been, Bollman replied World War I and riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle for the first time at age 97.

Bollman has eight children: Richard Bollman, Selah, Wash.; Merton Bollman, Leo Bollman, Carol Bollman, all of Spokane Valley; the late Rex Bollman; the late Robert Bollman; the late Virginia Bollman; and the late Larry Bollman; and 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

– Rainey Coffin