Features

A grand affair for Miss Ruthy

By GEORGE HENRY, STAR WRITER

Ruth Shaw- george henry

MALVERN, ST. ELIZABETH:

RUTH SHAW, AFFECTIONATELY, called Mama or Miss Ruthy, celebrated her 100th birthday on May 1. For reaching such an important milestone, her relatives and several friends feted her at a party recently at Fyffes Pen in St. Elizabeth.

It was a wonderful get together for the woman who has nurtured almost all of the three hundred persons who were in attendance, and for Miss Ruthy it was a grand affair. Large white tents with numerous colourful 100th birthday balloons and specialised "100" confetti, helped to set the stage for the celebration and added to the ambience of the venue.

Although she is the only survivor of her siblings, Miss Ruthy's family has a history of longevity with her mother Catherine having lived to 103 and a sister to 99.

Miss Ruth, who has four children, 10 grandchildren, 17 greatgrands, two great-great grands and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. When asked how she felt about the celebrations, Miss Ruth seemed overwhelmed as she replied, "Words cannot explain .... My heart is full. To God be the glory, great things He has done."

Birthday cake

An intriguing moment at the function was the cutting of the rather attractive "Happy 100th Birthday, Mom" cake, which was brought from England, by Miss Ruthy and three of her grandsons.

Miss Ruth, backed by two of her nieces, treated patrons to her favourite song, If I Stay Away from the Lord One Day, her voice ringing out like a bell.

Church groups from the community serenaded the centenarian with some of her favourite songs.