Florence Pullen hit a milestone Jan. 4, turning 100 years old, then celebrated five days later with a party in Auburn.

The area resident has five children – four in the region and one in Arizona – along with 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 24 great-great-grandchildren. She lives with children in Bonney Lake and Kent.

She was born in Chester, Idaho, the third of eight siblings. She left home at the tender age of 14 to attend high school because there was no high school in her small hometown of Fruitvale, Idaho. She lived with an aunt and uncle in Pocatello, Idaho, 360 miles from home, seeing her parents and siblings only during summer vacations. She graduated from college, became a teacher and also worked many years in a nursing home as an aide.

She was married to Elmer “Shorty” Pullen for 59 years and has been a widow since 1997. She was an avid genealogist, fashion designer, seamstress, musician, singer and chef until her vision began failing. At 100, she remains active, traveling by bus four days a week to elder care where she participates with friends in current event discussions, physical exercises, contests, games, singing and reminiscing. She attends The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints three hours every Sunday with her family.

She attributes her longevity to good genes, daily laughter, Jazzercise, a lifetime of hard work and never smoking or drinking. She sings, loves a good joke and is always ready for a party.