Celebrating 100 Years of Life

May 2^nd commemorated “Gladys Finney Richter Day” in San Angelo. The day celebrated Ms. Gladys’ long and exciting life. As a resident of San Angelo for 66 years, she has witnessed much of the city’s history. But Ms. Gladys' most noteworthy achievement has been the legacy of love and friendship she has constructed over her life.

Born in Bell County in 1916, she moved to San Angelo with her family in 1944. She established her hair salon and was a hair dresser for 66 years, and retired on her 90^th birthday. A resident of Rio Concho Manor for the past 28 years, Gladys is very active in all the activities and events that occur during the year--her favorite being, without a doubt, the senior citizen dances, where the only requirement is that you are over the age of 62.

Sunday, Gladys celebrated these many memories during her 100^th birthday celebration at Fifi Dubois downtown. She was surrounded by her daughter, three grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, along with multitude of friends and family who came from all over Texas to congratulate her.

“I’m a hundred years old, and I feel wonderful,” Ms.Gladys said. 

Everyone who attended the celebration all agreed that Ms. Gladys has a love of life and energy like no other. She said she feels very fortunate to be so independent at her age, and to not be, as she puts it, a burden on her family.

Mrs. Cross said she admires her grandmother’s energy and independence, and feels blessed to have “Mimi” in their lives for so long. She was also very excited and proud to witness the proclamation made by Mayor Dwain Morrison, as well as the commendations the offices of Congressmen Mike Conaway and Drew Darby presented to her grandmother. Ms. Gladys also received the flags that flew over the state capital today in recognition of her historical birthday.

“It is amazing to see how many lives she touched,” said Dusty Hester, her great-grandson. As most of the guests who attended the party, Mr. Hester has wonderful memories of the time he has spent with Ms. Gladys--the most special to him being the trips as a young boy to her lake house in Proctor, Texas, and her stories about the way life was back in the day.

“We have some wonderful conversations on our way to get our monthly manicures and pedicures,” chimed Ms. Mary Lou “Honey” Powell. Ms. Honey, as she is known by most people, is Ms. Gladys’ friend, neighbor and line dancing partner. She moved to San Angelo two years ago and has learned a lot about the city from her dear friend. Even with a 14-year age difference, and growing up in different times, they have built a very close friendship. The drive to get their monthly manicures and pedicures are a time they use to catch up with each other. When they go dancing and can’t seem to find a dance partner with good rhythm, they simply love to line dance to “Kansas City.”

“She is a wonderful friend to have; there is never dull moment,” said Honey.

Overall, Ms. Gladys' celebration was filled with lots of laughter, hugs and dancing. Her birthday was a reflection of her very active life and the legacy of love she inspires in the people she has met over the years.

“I love the Lord," said Ms. Gladys. "I love people, and I just know I’m not going to be here too many more years, but I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.”