Woman credits 'grace of God,' family as she celebrates 105th birthday

SWANNANOA, N.C. (WLOS) — Most people would consider themselves lucky to be in the shoes of one North Carolina woman.

Ruth Penland celebrated her 105th birthday and shared with WLOS that she credits always being on the move and living a healthy lifestyle for her longevity.

She still lives on her own in Swannanoa and added her faith and surrounding family help her on her life journey.

I think it was the grace of God," Penland said Friday, June 16. "I've got my son and his wife, I've got 10 grandchildren and eight of their spouses, 20 great-grands and 12 great-greats -- and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

She's not the only one in her family to reach the century mark. Her sister, Sue, who arrived in town over the weekend, recently celebrated turning 100.

Over Penland's lifetime, she has worked as a supervisor of admissions at Mission Hospital, for wholesale businesses and she worked 60 years with her family's business -- Penland Funeral Home.

Ruth's official birthday is on Monday, June 19. Happy birthday, Miss Ruth!