Helen Hill Jones honored on 100th birthday

SALINE COUNTY - Helen Hill Jones of Saline County turned 100 on Friday, and on Saturday her family, friends and well-wishers gathered at Saline Care Center in Harrisburg to celebrate.

Hill was born Nov. 16, 1918 in Galatia.

She married Arthur Hill in 1940, and the couple had three children. Now, at the centenary mark, Helen also has six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

According to family members, she and Arthur ran a grocery store in Galatia until 1969, before she worked in newspaper advertising. Some of her favorite pastimes are visiting with her family and reading, along with listening to Big Band-era music. She also enjoys socializing with other Saline Care Residents and participating in arts and crafts activities. She's also a longtime member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Galatia.

Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek was among the many in attendance Saturday to celebrate Helen's birthday, and did so by offering a proclamation from the city.

"Longevity of life is a blessing for an individual and for a community which benefits from the knowledge, creativity and experiences this individual brings to all," he read.

"The United States has the greatest number of centenarians in the world, and today Helen Hill Jones should be honored for 100 years on this earth," the proclamation continues. "The City of Harrisburg recognizes with respect and admiration the contribution of senior citizens to our community and I, John McPeek, mayor of the city of Harrisburg, do hereby deem it an honor and pleasure to extend this certificate of recognition to Helen Hill Jones on the occasion of her 100th birthday, with sincere congratulations and best wishes for many more happy years."