Nell Noble sat in a high-back chair in front of a warm fire, a smile gracing her lips. Behind her, on the mantelpiece, a banner read “Happy Birthday.” It’s a phrase Nell Noble has heard many times in her lifetime — 104 times to be exact.
Merrill Gardens honored Noble, its oldest resident, during a cake and ice cream social on Monday, Nov. 27 that was attended by approximately two dozen residents of the retirement community.
“I just admire her,” said resident Vivian Lippold. “I’ve talked to her and she’s told me all about her experiences when she was a teacher.”
Merrill Gardens regularly has a party for its oldest resident, said Will Miller, the facility’s general manager.
“She had a great sense of humor,” Miller said. “What drives her is her wit and her zest for life.”
Today, Noble, known as Miss Nell to several Merrill Gardens residents, plays a lot of bingo and doesn’t wear glasses or a hearing aid. Her daughter, Elaine Reas of Mill Creek, said her mom lived on her own and took care of herself until age 99.
“I’m not used to so much attention,” Noble said after greeting several well-wishers.
Noble was born Nov. 27, 1902 in Rocky Springs, Miss. as Zoranell Lum. She had a twin sister, Mozelle, who passed away at age 60. At the party Noble displayed pictures of her and twin sister at age 18.
“She was beautiful,” Noble said about Mozelle. “She had dark hair, and I had blonde hair.”
Noble left Mississippi around age 20, and worked both as a school teacher and a variety store. She is the mother of three children, and her late husband William was a World War I veteran. She has been in Washington state since 1985, and before moving to Merrill Gardens lived in Lynnwood.
“I love it out here,” Noble said.
Mill Creek City Council Mayor Pro-tem Terry Ryan attended the party to pay tribute to Noble, and asked her what are the secrets to living to 104. “I don’t know what they are, but I’ll think about it,” she said.
According to resident Jean Scrudder, that comment is typical of the sense of humor Noble has.
“She’s a very sharp lady,” Scrudder said.
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