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106 birthdays and counting

By Shawn Linenberger - | Jan 27, 2015

When President Barack Obama visited Lawrence last week, he became the first sitting president since William Howard Taft in 1911.

Tonganoxie resident Ann Jarrett has been alive for both of these historic visits.

Born Jan. 21, 1909, Jarrett, known by many as Aunt Ann, celebrated her 106th birthday last week at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Tonganoxie.

Decked out in a birthday sash and hair accessory that read “happy birthday,” relatives flanked Jarrett, while fellow Vintage Park residents stopped by her table to offer well wishes after sitting down for cake and ice cream.

One fellow resident gave her pillow adorned with a cat print, while Mary Martin, a member of Jarrett’s extended family, read a proclamation from the Kansas Senate honoring the Tonganoxie resident’s milestone.

Tonganoxie Mayor Jason Ward signed a proclamation when Jarrett turned 100.

Asked about turning 106, Jarrett took the milestone in stride.

“Well, I can hardly believe it myself,” she said.

Jarrett worked several jobs during her lifetime, including being a typist at the Statehouse in Topeka.

“I could really type fast,” she said.

Jarrett’s family started the First Baptist Church in Tonganoxie in the late 1800s. A Tonganoxie street even bears the family’s name.

A resident of Tonganoxie her entire life “as far as I know,” Jarrett said, she also has been very involved in the church her family established so many years ago. She was a longtime Sunday school teacher.

Martin, who now lives in Kansas City, Kan., said that whenever someone needs help, she turns to Aunt Ann to send up prayers.

Jarrett said she’s never been married, which Martin joked might be the key to her longevity.

“That may be the reason she’s 106,” Martin said with a laugh.

Julie Hansen, Vintage Park director said another family member told her that might have helped her reach her current age — that and having no children and not drinking beverages that contain caffeine.

Family members noted, though, that the generations of church families growing up before her eyes served as her “children.”

Relative Mary Tolbert of Leavenworth said Jarrett holds her own still today.

“I know she’s real feisty,” Tolbert said. “If she doesn’t like something, she’ll jump on you in a moment.”

Family members from throughout Leavenworth and the Kansas City area were getting together to celebrate Jarrett’s birthday.

“We don’t get together too much, but when we do, it’s a big deal,” she said.

Carole Newton, of Kansas City, Kan., is a great niece of Jarrett. She said her mother always told her she resembled Aunt Ann.

“It’s awesome,” Newton said of celebrating the 106th birthday. “She’s such a treasure.”

Jarrett lost her home to a fire this past summer, but the house is being rebuilt on the same property while she stays at Vintage Park.

Through it all, Jarrett said that God has been good to her and that she’s ready to celebrate more birthdays.

“I guess I’ll be here for another 106 years,” Jarrett said with a laugh.