Woman celebrating 105th birthday hopes to outlive sister who died at 108

QUINCY, Ill. (KHQA) — An Illinois woman is celebrating a special birthday very few get to experience.

"I used to never think I would live to be this old."

Hilda West grew up on a farm near Payson, Illinois and was born during World War I.

On March 30, she will be celebrating a very special day — her 105th birthday.

But she wasn't the first in her family to celebrate such an iconic birthday.

After my sister lived to be 108, three weeks from 109, I kind of wondered if I could live this long," West said.

So, what is Hilda's secret to living a happy and healthy life?

"Have my trust in God and just have to keep looking ahead," West said.

She won't be celebrating her birthday alone.

Friends and family are in town to help her bring in her 105th, something that means so much to her.

I think it's wonderful. My sister was here in this home and when she passed away, I was here, so I had nobody here."

Throughout her life, West has survived many different events.

World War I and II, the Great Depression, the Spanish flu, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has experienced a lot over the years from major events to life in general and being the youngest of 12 siblings, she has learned from those experiences.

"I don't know if you are wiser, but you get a lot of experience,” West said. “It just gives you a lot of experiences with family, being the youngest of 12."

Leading up to her 105th birthday, Hilda already has the next milestone in her sights.

"What are you most looking forward to leading up to your birthday?"

West responded by saying, "my 106th birthday."