SAN ANGELO, TX — A San Angelo woman marked a milestone Friday as family, friends and staff with Meals for the Elderly gathered to celebrate her 101st birthday.
Ida Walter received a plaque recognizing her birthday during a presentation at her home. “I’m so happy to get this,” Walter said, smiling as she accepted the gift. “It’s wonderful. I have to put it up somewhere.”
From left, Norma Dietz Lee, executive director of Meals for the Elderly; Lane Strickland, vice president; Suzannah Valenzuela, director of marketing; San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson; seated, honoree Ida Walter; and kneeling, Karla Thompson, gather Friday to celebrate Walter’s 101st birthday.
Walter, who was born in San Saba County and moved to San Angelo in 1937, credited her longevity to daily walks, eating healthy food and staying positive. “Be happy, obey the laws, eat healthy food and exercise,” she said when asked for her secret to a long life.
The celebration was attended by Meals for the Elderly leaders and San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson, along with his wife, Karla, who is Walter’s goddaughter.
Ida Walter, seated, shares a laugh with Norma Dietz Lee, executive director of Meals for the Elderly, during Walter’s 101st birthday celebration Friday in San Angelo.
Walter raised her family in San Angelo and worked more than two decades in local retail, including at BW, which later became Strike It Rich, she said. She recalled starting work after her daughters entered high school and planned only a short stint, but stayed 23 years.
Meals for the Elderly leaders said they were honored to recognize Walter, one of their regular meal recipients.
Walter, who still enjoys the deliveries three days a week, laughed when asked if she had plans for a large party this year. “I don’t have anything planned,” she said, remembering last year’s gathering of more than 150 visitors at her home.
Lane Strickland, vice president of Meals for the Elderly, presents Ida Walter with a flower during her 101st birthday celebration on Friday in San Angelo.
With five generations of family, decades of community ties and more than a century of memories, Walter summed up her outlook simply: “Don’t worry about things you cannot change. Just be happy and love people.”
San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson listens as Ida Walter shares stories from her life during her 101st birthday celebration on Friday.
The celebration was attended by Meals for the Elderly leaders, including Executive Director Norma Dietz Lee, Vice President Lane Strickland and Director of Marketing Suzannah Valenzuela. San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson and his wife, Karla Thompson, also joined the gathering, presenting Walter with flowers.
A framed portrait shows Ida Walter and her husband on their wedding day in 1953, a keepsake displayed in her San Angelo home as she celebrated her 101st birthday Friday.
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