Country Club Estates, Lehigh community celebrate Ruth Brown’s 100th birthday | News, Sports, Jobs

To help Ruth Brown celebrate her 100th birthday, Lehigh Acres residents, including friends and family, organized a drive-by birthday party. PHOTO PROVIDED

The longest living resident of Country Club Estates, Ruth Brown, celebrated her 100th birthday last Friday, with some help from the community.

To help Brown celebrate, Lehigh Acres residents, friends and family organized a drive-by birthday party from 2-4 pm

“We invited the community to show their love with a drive by party. People came out with signs and waved to wish her a happy birthday,” Barbara Thompson, community party organizer, said.

Following the drive-by, neighbors and friends were invited to Brown’s home for a small party with cake and decorations.

According to Brown’s daughter, Cleve Moritz, a local business also stepped in to help make the day special.

The longest living resident of Country Club Estates, Ruth Brown, celebrated her 100th birthday March 18, with some help from the community. PHOTO PROVIDED

“Sign Gypsies was nice enough to donate a sign for my mom’s 100th birthday for free,” Moritz said.

Brown has resided in Lehigh Acres for over 45 years.

“Our whole family is originally from Ohio. My mom and dad moved down and bought a house here in Lehigh 45 years ago,” Moritz said. “She has two kids, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great, great, grandson. Five generations total, with 90 years between my mom and James, her great, great grandson.”

Moritz said her mom has always stayed active.

“Both my parents loved to play golf. My mom had her first and only hole in one when she was 80 years old. So I tell everyone, it’s never too late.”

Brown’s family threw her a private party a week prior, so that family could fly down and be with her on her special day.

“All her family except for one grandson were able to attend the family’s party. Her official birthday was Friday the 18th,” Moritz said.

When asked the secret to her longevity, Ruth attributes her reaching 100 years old to having a glass of wine each day.