Betty Meyer celebrates 100th birthday

The Paradise Center was the place to be Saturday for the celebration of Betty Meyer’s 100th birthday.  

Over 50 people were on hand to share this special day with Meyer. Two of Meyer’s children were there to celebrate her birthday along with six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one very active 3-year-old great-great-grandson named Loren Gorham. Several family members and friends traveled from as far away as British Columbia, Canada and Louisiana. 

A special guest, Sen. Jon Tester appeared on a recorded video wishing Meyer a happy birthday. Several firefighters from the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District, including volunteer Joel Banham along with two fire trucks, came to celebrate Meyer’s birthday. A comment was made that they were thankful that the fire department was on scene. You never know what could happen with so many candles on fire on one cake.  

Granddaughters Christina Kraus and Kelly Altmiller started the party off by thanking so many friends and relatives for sharing the day with Meyer. Karval Pickering read a poem to the partygoers by Arthur Conan Doyle followed by opening gifts. One of those was a painting of Meyer showing her in her World War II uniform. Enlisting in 1944, when she came of age, with permission from her parents, Meyer spent the remaining year of the war as a driver in the WAC (Women’s Army Corp). 

Meyer was asked the secret to living to 100.  

She said, “I was born and raised in Montana. I count myself lucky.”  

Meyer grew up in Plains and Paradise, attending school in Paradise. Meyer said she was a handful in her early school years and had to repeat first grade because she didn’t listen well. 

Meyer shared a story that recently happened.  

“We had a recent incident in my house. My plumbing stopped. That’s fun. I had a hard time finding a plumber. Everyone was busy. We called Superior and got a port-a-potty for the back yard. Just like I did when I was a kid. I thought I was through with that. Anyhow, the man that came to fix the plumbing. I expected to pay him $500-$600. He really worked hard.”  

When Meyer tried to pay Scott Rice for his work, Rice said, “I don’t charge senior citizens that are 100 years old.  

Meyer continued, “He needs to be commended. 

Darrin Gorham, Meyers grandson asked Meyer, “What does it feel like to have all your grandchildren being senior citizens?”  

She said, “I have lived a very good life. I’m very fortunate.”

Betty Meyers great-great-grandson Loren helps Bill Beck with the American flag. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

Joel Banham from the Plains Paradise Rural Fire Department at Betty Meyer's birthday party. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

Sen. Jon Tester recorded a personal video to Betty Meyer wishing her a happy 100th birthday. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

Betty Meyer with a painting of her in uniform during her service in World War II. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott