Lost Creek resident to celebrate 103rd birthday

LIMA — It was 1920. The world was only two years removed from the end of World War I and the 1918 flu epidemic. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed, giving women the right to vote. The United States was just coming into what would be known as the “roaring ’20s.”

And Maggie was born.

“She’s everybody’s favorite,” Lost Creek Care Center activity director Kristen Evans said as she described resident Madeline “Maggie” Lenhart. Maggie, who has been a resident of the facility since 2014, will be 103 on July 6. According to Evans, a large party is planned for Monday to celebrate Maggie’s birthday.

“We will have a food buffet featuring pulled pork, a 103 cake, glow-in-the-dark bracelets, noisemakers, music, dancing, and Happy Hour,” Evans said. “All of the residents will be attending.”

Although she was the oldest of 11 children, Maggie has outlived the majority of her siblings and both of her children. She is involved in activities at the care center, including volleyball, which is played with a pool noodle and a balloon. Maggie enjoys a glass of wine during Happy Hour, chocolate ice cream, and watching the Hallmark Channel.

“I like catfish,” Maggie said. “I used to go out here to Hog Creek [to fish].” According to Evans, Maggie previously played piano and organ at the Moose Lodge and she often performed with her brother who was a saxophonist.

Maggie’s memory no longer supports her attempts to tell her full life story, but Evans provided some information she obtained from one of Maggie’s nieces. Maggie had worked at the OK Factory (now known as the Wilson Football Factory) in Ada and later retired from Triplett Corporation in Bluffton, Ohio. At one time, Maggie converted a garage at the back of her house into a Laundromat that was used by neighbors.

While Maggie may now have issues remembering past events, Lost Creek Care Center is hopeful that Monday’s party will allow her to make some wonderful memories in the here and now.