Thatcher resident celebrates 95th birthday on Fourth of July

By Angela Efros
Contributing Writer
Published on Monday, July 6, 2009 1:07 PM MST

On July 4, Elma Jones of Thatcher celebrated her 95th birthday and the 233rd anniversary of the country she was raised to love.

On July 4, 1914, the funeral was held for Archduke Ferdinand, whose assassination is said to have sparked WWI. That same night, outside of Benson, Ida and Ed Jesperson welcomed their daughter, Elma, into the world.

Elma experienced our country in times of both great mourning and great joy. She describes the 1929 stock market crash as not only a depression of the economy, but also of the human spirit, because people felt they had no hope. Through these hard times, Elma worked at a telephone company to help her family, but her starting wage was only $7 a week.

Elma Jones of Thatcher celebrated her 95th birthday July 4 by watching fireworks on her back porch with family and friends. She has seven children, 38 grandchildren, 101 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Contributed photo

Following WWII, Elma said there was rejoicing beyond what can be imagined. It was a great sense of relief and also meant Elma’s brother, who had been a prisoner of war, would now return home. She said with great pride and nostalgic joy, “It was a great, great celebration.”

Elma married her sweetheart, Dan Jones, in 1935. She has seven children, 38 grandchildren, 101 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Elma had this advice to younger generations: “Decide between your needs and your wants.” With patriotic enthusiasm she continued, “Know about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights; we have a great Constitution, and we need to uphold it."

This year, Elma enjoyed fireworks that she could see from the comfort of her back porch as she enjoyed the company of family and friends.

“You can’t keep a low profile on your birthday when it’s the Fourth of July,” she said.

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Comments

3 comment(s)

JZE wrote on Jul 6, 2009 1:28 AM:

" Congratulations! Nice article. "

Ryan wrote on Jul 5, 2009 11:39 PM:

" I believe the byline should read "Angela Efros."

Great article! Happy birthday to Elma! What a special milestone on life's great journey. "

Roy Patty Curtis wrote on Jul 5, 2009 10:36 PM:

" Way to go Angela (Efres???)
Great story, good job. "

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