Waterman, now a resident of the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home, is set to celebrate her 103rd birthday at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 15.

Waterman’s life has spanned more than a century, and she’s still going strong, riding her scooter throughout the veterans home.

A lifelong resident of North Texas, Mrs. Waterman married Frank C. Waterman of Durant, Oklahoma on Jan. 16, 1932. During World War II, Frank Waterman joined the Army, where he served in a Signals Operation Battalion and fought in six major battles. He died in the late 1970s.

Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd presents the birthday guest of honor with a proclamation declaring the day "Ruth Waterman Day."

After her husband’s death, Mrs. Waterman cared for her mother, Sallie Moore, in their home in Bonham. Moore lived to be 105 years old. Waterman carried on, caring for herself until September 2006, when the 102-year-old checked herself into the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home.

The veterans home in Bonham is one of seven across the state that provide top-quality care for those who have served our nation. Each home provides skilled long-term nursing care, comprehensive rehabilitation programs, special diets, recreational activities, social services, a library, and a certified, secured Alzheimer’s unit with its own secured outdoor courtyard.

Sylvia Burgin of the Melody Makers sings during the birthday bash.

For additional information on Texas State Veterans Homes and special home, land and home improvement loans for Texas veterans, call 800-252-VETS (800-252-8387) or visit our Web site at http://www.texasveterans.com/.

Leroy Tarpley plays steel guitar and Wayne Tarpley sits in on electric guitar.