Long-time Wellington resident Paul Ridnour was surrounded by family on Sunday Aug. 28 as he celebrated his 100th birthday a few days early. He was born on Aug. 31, 1916.
Sitting at a picnic table in the shade, in the park in downtown Wellington, Ridnour greeted a long line of family members and friends who had come to honor him. Father of 13 children, 12 of whom are living, Ridnour welcomed his brood to help him celebrate with blue and white balloons, piles of delicious food and loving fellowship. The crowd included six generations of Ridnours plus many who have known him over the years.
Richard, who is pretty sure he is child number eight, came from Craig where he is a rancher. “I chase cows,” he said. Daughter number two, Mary Jo Watson, sits by her dad and helps him to understand when he can’t quite hear someone’s words. “He broke his femur last December and that was his first time ever in the hospital,” she explained. “He recovered quickly.” He now gets around with a walker and has moved into an assisted living facility in Windsor.
Daughter Jennie Lee Cross didn’t have to travel far to celebrate her dad’s birthday. She and her daughter, Connie Sherman and granddaughters Tessa Stevens and Shaia Hersh, and Ridnour great-granddaughters, all are Wellington residents.
It was a beautiful late summer day, just made for an outdoor 100th birthday celebration in the park.
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