Ruth Rasmussen smiles while holding her great-great-great grandchild, two-month-old Valora Godwin at Sunrise Hill Care and Rehab Center in Traer on Saturday, Dec. 2 during her 100th birthday party. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TRAER – With much of her family by her side, Ruth (née Redfearn) Rasmussen, longtime Traer resident and founder of the town’s famed Salt & Pepper Shaker Gallery, celebrated her 100th birthday last Saturday at Sunrise Hill Care and Rehab Center.

While she officially turned 100 the previous day on Friday, December 1, Ruth was all smiles on Saturday during her afternoon birthday party held in a private room at the care center where she has resided for the last several years.

Three of her five (four living) grandchildren and their families were in attendance for the special event including Angie O’Brien of South Dakota, Melissa (Missy) Delahoussaye of Story City, Iowa, and Bill McNeill of Vinton, Iowa.

A fourth grandchild, Regina Fennern of Florida was unable to attend due to her livelihood selling Christmas trees.

Ruth’s late husband Cecil Rasmussen and their only child, daughter Peggy McNeill both passed away, separately, in 2010. Ruth also shares her birthday with her identical twin, the late Ruby (Redfearn) Rhoades who passed away in 2012 just shy of the sisters’ shared 89th birthday.

Longtime Traer resident Ruth Rasmussen, bottom right, turned 100 years-young last Friday, Dec. 1. She celebrated the milestone birthday with her family at Sunrise Hill Care and Rehab Center the following day. Three of her four living grandchildren were present including (clockwise from bottom left) Melissa (Missy) Delahoussaye, Bill McNeill, and Angie O’Brien. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

On Saturday, Ruth seemed to bask in the jovial atmosphere that surrounded her as several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and even great-great-great-grandchildren played games in the party room. That penchant for levity and humor is part of what has afforded Ruth her longevity, according to her grandchildren.

“She likes to be with people,” her grandson Bill McNeill said. “She’s still friendly and outgoing [at 100].”

She also likes a healthy bit of mischief; even in her later years, her grandchildren said, she and Ruby found great delight in confusing people as to who was who.

“They were best friends,” Ruth’s granddaughter Angie O’Brien said.

The two were born in 1923 in Gladbrook, Iowa, to Harry and Irene Redfearn. They were tiny newborns – both could fit together inside a shoebox, O’Brien said – and their mother wasn’t sure they would make it.

But persist the Redfearn twins did, with both graduating from Hudson High School in 1942. After meeting and marrying her husband Cecil, Ruth moved to Traer, while Ruby stayed in Hudson.

When asked what Ruth’s long life could be attributed to beyond her happy demeanor, her grandson didn’t hesitate.

“Cause she’s stubborn!” McNeill said with a hearty chuckle, a comment that elicited agreement and laughter from his two sisters.

McNeill also believes his grandma’s penchant for collecting – a “gene” he said has been passed down to many of Ruth’s descendants including himself – has kept her going, and not just the salt and pepper shakers.

“She used to love McDonald’s kid’s meals. She collected the Happy Meal toys.”

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Back in April 2011, Traer’s Salt & Pepper Shaker Gallery which features Ruth’s most famous collection opened to the public after the city purchased the collection in 2008.

Ruth first began collecting the shakers in 1946 during a visit to Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo – the year her daughter Peggy was born.

Through the years, as folks learned about her collection, they began to send her shakers. When the museum opened more than a decade ago, Ruth’s collection boasted more than 14,500 pieces.

Today, at the age of 100, Ruth is no longer actively collecting, her grandchildren said, but she does still find joy in all life has to offer.

“She’s in great health,” McNeill said. “She’s crafty. She likes flowers.”

When asked how she celebrated her 100th birthday the day prior, Ruth herself said it was a wonderful day.

“I played bingo last night and I won,” Ruth said before later adding, “I always win!”

Happy 100th Birthday, Ruth! Please add this newspaper reporter’s admiration to your collection!