Glenna Tippets celebrates 100 years

Imagine what you might see in 100 years. If you ask a child, they might say, "Aliens and flying ships!" If you ask a retiree they might say something more like, "Economic changes and technological advancements." For Thermopolis resident Glenna Tippets, however, she could tell you quite a few true stories of what she actually has seen in her 100 years.

Born August 31, 1915, Glenna remembers her childhood in Hurricane, Utah with the passing of both parents and being raised by a stepmother and six other siblings. Times were different back then. She remembers life before electricity and traveling on the mail truck to be delivered to her grandparents. As a young person, Glenna delivered newspapers on horseback while Lindbergh completed his solo flight across the Atlantic. She remembers people too anxious to open their own paper and, not having any other form of news, running up to her and her horse asking, "Did he make it? Did he make it?"

Glenna attended a Junior college in Utah and later received a scholarship to attend Brigham Young University where she studied English and Drama. While attending BYU, Glenna met her future husband Don and, after graduation, the two married and eventually moved to Wyoming.

Don Tippets' work as an agricultural agent took the growing family all around the state of Wyoming before finally settling in Thermopolis in 1947 – and my how the town has changed. Glenna remembers seeing their small home on Mondell Street for the first time situated on the edge of town. The home is larger now after additions made by Don and has neighboring homes on all sides.

The biggest Thermopolis town improvement Glenna remembers was when the streets were paved. She fondly reminisced, "Downtown was busy. The stores were all open. We had a Golden Rule, JC Penny, Wigwam Bakery, Coast to Coast, Gambles ... It really was a very busy community. People were always walking around downtown."

Today people know Glenna as not only a town legend, but also a busy one at that. Throughout her adult life, Glenna has been incredibly involved in her community by assisting with 4-H, being an active member of the Homemakers Club, teaching at the Hill School as well as down the hill, and becoming a social worker. But don't mistake her for a small town girl – Glenna has been fortunate enough to travel the world! She lived in Afghanistan with Don, visited Korea to see her daughter, and went on a church mission to Winnipeg.

Glenna continues to be active and credits this as one of the many reasons she has lived such a wonderful, long life. She continues to get out around town, go grocery shopping, attend fitness classes and recite favorite poetry verses by memory for friends and family.

The reason she does all of this? Glenna lives for her family saying, "That's what we live for." And what a full family she has. Glenna and Don (deceased) Tippets have five children, 26 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, and two (almost three) great-great-grandchildren. The family recently gathered for a reunion and opportunity to celebrate Glenna's birthday. Stories were told, games were played, and Glenna was able to share some simple but true life advice she had discovered over her century of life experience:

"Being happy," she stated matter-of-factly when asking what the secret to life is. She continued, "Don't sweat the small things, and eat all the chocolate you want."

The community is welcomed to join Glenna for the sweets and company that make this life worthwhile for her 100th birthday party.

Cake and ice cream will be served at the Tippets residence at 804 Mondell on Sunday, August 30 from 4-7 p.m.