MONROE — Wilma Howarth turned 100 years old on Feb. 6. 

Wilma “Burgi” Howarth was born in rural Monroe in 1919, the daughter of Herman and Mathilda Burgi. She grew up and was educated in Monroe and worked several jobs in Monroe. Wilma and Harlan Howarth were married in Monroe in 1948 and they moved to Elizabeth, Illinois, where they farmed for over 30 years. Wilma now lives in Waukegan, Illinois, with her son James and his wife Joan. 

On Feb. 9, Wilma celebrated her 100th birthday with about 40 family and friends. 

She is still very mentally alert and fairly active for her age. She loves listening to music, nature, keeping up with current events and visiting with friends.