GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – For one Greenbrier County resident, this year’s birthday is much more than an ordinary celebration; it’s a milestone. Betty Ralston, who has called Ronceverte her home since 1952, will soon be the area’s newest centenarian. This exclusive title is reserved for a person who has reached the age of 100 years, which is exactly what Ralston will achieve on Sept. 25, 2023.
As an active member of the community, Ralston worked at First National Bank for many years. Following her retirement, she began bowling as a pastime that she would continue to enjoy until the age of 94. Today, Ralston enjoys attending Ronceverte Presbyterian Church, where she is the oldest living member and has been with the church for 71 years.
When asked what she believed was the secret to her mother’s longevity, Phyllis (Ralston) Allen replied “I believe it’s her faith. She has such a positive attitude and her cup is always half full instead of being half empty.” Many would suggest that the secret to a long life is in living a happy life. Allen believes that her mother finds the most joy in “family, friends and her church.”
According to a Boston University podcast that aired in 2022, approximately 1 in 5,000 Americans are centenarians and of those, 85% are women. Thomas Perls, director of Boston University’s New England Centenarian Study, accredits four things to increasing one’s chances of living a longer life. While genetics are believed to play a large role in longevity, Perls recommends managing stress, eating right, avoiding smoking and getting regular exercise.
What type of diet has our very own Greenbrier County resident enjoyed in her nearly 100 years of life? For Ralston, good old fashioned home cooking is always on the menu. Otherwise, a delicious donut with her morning coffee is just enough to satisfy her sweet tooth. When it comes to entertainment, Ralston enjoys her morning game shows, including The Price is Right and Let’s Make A Deal, and finishes out her day with the evening news. She continues to enjoy weekly trips to the hair salon and shopping at IGA.
John Lennon once said, “Count your age by friends, not years.” Next month, Betty Ralston will celebrate both in the community that she loves and proudly calls her home.
