Two Oregon women fulfilling dreams

Summary

One is known as a 'Wild Woman', flying around on an ATV in Canyonville, Ore. The other is going to speak in front of the largest school in the county. What do the two have in common? Being 100 years old.

Story Published: Oct 28, 2009 at 11:29 AM PST

Story Updated: Oct 28, 2009 at 11:29 AM PST

Two Oregon women fulfilling dreams

CANYONVILLE, Ore. -- You are never too old to chase down your dreams, and two women at the Forest Glen Retirement Community in Canyonville, Ore. are doing just that.

It's a story that has been 100 years in the making. One was born in Indiana, the other in Massachusetts, both now together in Canyonville celebrating their 100th birthdays.

Ilene McKinley and her friend Lillian Marsters have done a lot over the last 100 years and they won't be slowing down anytime soon.

Each one has their own secret to longevity. Lillian says, "I just grew and worked. I worked until I was 75." Ilene said very matter of factly, "I eat a lot of peanuts."

Even after 100 years there are still some things on the to do list, and the new Ageless Dream program is making it possible.

Debbie Wilson, administrator of Forest Glen said, "It's not every day people live to 100 and we are excited and proud to have them be a part of our community."

Ilene's big wish came true last week when she took a ride on an ATV and retained her title as the 'Wild Woman.' Ilene said, "I was used to riding a dune buggy, but I was not expecting that monster."

She started out slow by testing it in the parking lot, but then it was time for the real off roading.

When the ride is over she will say it was the experience of a lifetime, but the great stories she has to tell are about the lifetime of experiences we can all learn from. "If something which is hard for you to cope with, and you can't see any reason why, if you live long enough you will find the answer."

Now Lillian's dream will come true this Friday when she addresses students at Roseburg High School's Brunch of Champions. She has always wanted to visit with kids and give them advice about how to take on challenges in life.

Lillian definitely knows how to relate to the kids at Roseburg, because she was a part of the first ever graduating class over 81 years ago.

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