Appeal-Democrat Archive Writing

Looking good at age 104

June 14, 2007

The “trunk” of a family tree with five living generations celebrated her 104th birthday this week.

Loretta Ensworth was born in Wakefield, Kan., on June 12, 1903.

She’s the proud mother of three children, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Ensworth’s only surviving daughter celebrated with her and 40 other residents of Marysville Nursing and Rehab with a strawberry-filled birthday cake.

Daughter Dorothy Hubbard, 75, remembers her mother as a great cook who could whip up a good pie from scratch, an active member of the Catholic Church, and a loving mother.

“She’s lived as long as she has because of her strong faith and her ability to find the good in people,” Dorothy Hubbard said.

Ensworth moved to the Yuba-Sutter area in 1942 and has lived here ever since.

Ensworth’s son-in-law helped care for her for 20 years before she moved into a care home. Jim Hubbard said he’s surprised at how well she’s doing after 104 years.

“I don’t understand what’s keeping her here, but she’s hanging on,” he said. “She’s a lot better than a lot of the younger women here.”

Cindy Wise said Ensworth’s been very sharp in the past eight years she’s worked with her, despite her declining vision and hearing. After every bath, Ensworth’s hand reaches out for her Oil of Olay.

“She’s always wanted to be presentable and look good,” Wise said.

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