ALMA, Kan. (WIBW) – It’s a celebration of more than a century in the making of a very special woman in Alma. So, in particular, the city was named January 13 in her honor.
Sheryl Thowe says the idea started with a simple request for a birthday card but has grown into a city-wide celebration.
Evelyn Zeckser was born on January 13, 1920 in Alma, her 102nd birthday on Thursday.
“She probably looks around 80 years old, I mean you would never guess that she is 102 years old the way she looks, acts, talks, whatever,” says local bakery owner Alma , said Jeanette Rohleder.
The community came together to mark the occasion with a birthday parade.
Evelyn’s first stop was the church where she was baptized as a child and where she later married. She received a special surprise from the students at St. John Lutheran, who sang happy birthday to her and decorated the truck she was riding in.
Next, the truck was escorted by the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s Office to downtown Alma. They went down the main street, where several local businesses were participating in Evelyn Zeckser Day.
Mexican restaurant El Corral sold Tet cakes for $1.02 and Alma Bakery and Sweet Shoppe had waffle rolls for $1.02.
“Today is all about Evelyn,” Rohleder continued, “She was a special woman and we sold a lot of cinnamon rolls.”
Evelyn’s friends say it’s the perfect example of her impact.
“She always had a smile on her face, she never said bad things about anyone, she was just a very kind, loving person, beautiful inside and out,” says Thowe.
When asked, Evelyn said it’s hard to put into words what this means to her.
“I don’t know how to explain it, it’s just so exciting,” added Zeckser, “I can’t believe they’re going to do this for me.”
Evelyn loves gardening and still takes care of it herself. She also loves receiving cards and has so far received 83 for her birthday this year.
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