Vivian Kenzy, a resident at Life Care Center of Cheyenne, Wyo., celebrated her 100th birthday on Jan. 5, 2013, surrounded by family and friends.
Kenzy credits her longevity to working outside and living healthfully.
Born on Jan. 9, 1913, Kenzy grew up in South Dakota. She married Albert (Bert) Kenzy on April 7, 1934, and four children were later born to the union: Maxine, Jonne, Curtis and Jacquelyn.
During the Great Depression, the family moved to Nebraska, where they lived until 1947, when they relocated again, this time to Laramie County, Wyo. They farmed and ranched in the countryside for a while, then moved into the town of Albin, where they spent many happy years. Together, they operated a café until Bert bought a filling station. He operated the station while Kenzy worked as a cook in the Albin Snack Shop.
Kenzy could not only cook well but also crochet, quilt, knit, play the piano, fish and write poetry. Always one to learn new things, she studied Spanish at age 71, and at 73, she bowled two games over 200 in one season.
“She and Bert had a remarkable life,” said her daughter Jonne Moore. “She and Bert so enjoyed meeting people in their travels and made friends everywhere they went.”
In 2004, Bert passed away, and Kenzy moved to Point Frontier, Wyo.
Today, Kenzy has 15 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.