Congratulate Elsa Welcker Fry for reaching her 105th birthday on June 22.

Her lifespan is a remarkable feat considering the average life expectancy for a U.S. woman is 81.1 years, according to the latest U.S. Census.

Relatives gathered a day early to celebrate the event. Daughter Marcia Krane of Rio Verde and Denver attended the luncheon festivities with two granddaughters, Kathi Rank of Longmont, Colo., and Kristin Hansen, Kansas City, Mo.

A son, William Jr. of Kingston, Wash. underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery a week ago and could not be present.

Chef Matt Hastings presented Elsa with a birthday cake to share with all diners.

A five-man contingent of Rural Metro Fountain Hills firefighters surprised Elsa by stopping by. She is known to be fond of firefighters and blew kisses to them.

Her family described Elsa as an “independent spirit” who spends her days in activities that she chooses.

As her birthday approached, Elsa told Fountain View Village staffers that she did not want to be constantly reminded about her age.

“Don’t tell me how old I’m. I’m sweet 16,” she would tell them.

She enjoys playing solitaire, watches ice skating on television and loves sweets.

Elsa was among the first four residents to move into Fountain View Village’s independent living units when the facility opened. She has lived in an assisted living apartment for the last two and a half years.

She navigates with a walker but lately depends upon a wheelchair because of balance issues. Her main ailment is hearing loss and a few memory lapses.

When Elsa was born in Ohio, William Howard Taft was the 27th U.S. President. As a grade school pupil, she moved to St. Paul, Minn. where her father worked for the Minnesota Mining Company.

During high school, she was a champion high school hurdler and trained with an Olympian competitor.

She graduated in 1930 from the University of Minnesota. She married William Fry on Aug. 2, 1930, and the couple later moved to Fairfield, Ohio. He died in 1982.

During World War II, she served as a Gray Lady, a term applied to American Red Cross volunteers who wore gray uniforms. The women acted as hostesses and provided recreational services and non-medical help to sick, injured and disabled patients.

“She continues to be a joy in our life,” said Rank.