There were no helicopter rides, powered parachute trips, or even a visit to a local fishing hole for Floy Nelson this week.
Nevertheless, Floys 100th birthday was jam-packed with special moments with scores of family and other well-wishers helping her celebrate the day.
A birthday dinner Friday evening at the family farm drew 19 people. Another dinner at Iola Masonic Lodge drew a crowd of about 80 on Saturday. Then on Sunday the family took her out for lunch, where another dozen attended.
This has been amazing, to put it mildly, Floy said Monday at a party hosted by Windsor Place, where she now resides. Im amazed at everybody turning out the way they have. Its been wonderful.
As a youth, Floy split time between Kincaid and Smith Center, before marrying Emmet Nelson of Iola in 1940.
The couple lived for roughly 20 years in a house on Walnut Street before buying a farm south of Iola in 1960; a farm that remains with the family today.
Emmet worked at Lehigh Portland Cement until it closed in 1970, at which time he focused primarily on farming.
Emmet died about 13 years ago.
The couple had three sons, Emmet Lee, who has since moved to Grove, Okla., and Iolans Elvin and Elbert.
She lived on her own at the farm until moving to Windsor Place about a year ago.
She remains a bundle of energy, busying herself with quilting or, if she can sneak away, spend a day fishing.
She also does what she can to help at the nursing home, tending to a small garden, making noodles, cupcakes or other snacks for her fellow residents, and whatever else I can do, she said.
FLOYS 99th birthday celebration was a memorable one as well.
Her extended family had come out to the farm, when I heard this tremendous noise overhead, she recalled.
Humboldts Jerry Daniels, owner of Humboldt Helicopters, was landing in her yard.
Whats he doing? she asked.
Hes giving you a ride, her children responded.
It was quite a surprise, Floy recalled.
HER GOAL was to make it to 92, the same age her mother and grandfather reached before their passing.
