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Betsy Phillips glides into her 106th year

Ruth Haferkamp

Special to the Village News

Betsy Phillips turned 106 on the 13th of May, celebrating with close family members in La Jolla, California.

This is the fourth article written about our now well-known personality in Fallbrook. The first edition being on the occasion of her 100th and, subsequently, 104th, 105th and now 106th birthday. Wherever she goes, people give her a wave to acknowledge her presence or stop to have a chat.

Remembering the first time I visited Betsy at her home on the occasion of her 100th birthday, after ringing her doorbell, the door was opened by Betsy herself, standing erect, wearing a well fitted pair of jeans, a flowered blouse, a touch of lipstick, beautifully styled hair do, and a smile which would warm anyone's heart. She escorted me into her dining room where we sat for two hours, sharing with me some of the many fascinating stories of her life.

Routine is a very important aspect of Betsy's life, which includes three exercising sessions daily, using her own designed program and discipline.

Betsy's diet has been gluten free for many decades, until just recently, when making the decision to enjoy cakes, chocolates and other delicacies she has previously avoided.

She is an excellent conversationalist, keeping abreast of daily happenings and world affairs, a delight to converse with, but do pay attention, there is no back seat when in Betsy's presence.

On the occasion of Betsy's 105th birthday, her church congregation gifted her with her own private parking space. Church, reading, friends, dining out at her favorite restaurants, shopping at Trader Joe's in Temecula, her weekly visits to the beauty salon are just a few of the things that fill up Betsy's daily life.

Last, but not least, her passion is family. She is so proud of her children. Betsy is absolutely determined and adamant in keeping her independence. And, in turn, her children respect her wish for independence, regularly visiting her to spend quality time together.

I am quite sure when Betsy was a young lady celebrating her "16th" birthday, she never imagined she would one day be celebrating her "106th" birthday and looking forward to another blessed year ahead. Happy Birthday Betsy!

 

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