105-year-old woman says 'Cherish the ordinary'

Last year, Sounders voted for Barack Obama, who became the 44th president.

Sounders, a Louisville resident all her life, celebrated her 105th birthday on Wednesday, June 17.

Spirited relatives and friends surrounded Sounders at her birthday party in Marian Manor, her retirement home, at 34th Street and Young Avenue.

"I never expected to live that long, but it's not a bad life to be 105 years old," she said, chuckling.

Sounders proved to be an outstanding hostess, entertaining the guests with her bright smile, humor and even some dance moves.

Amid cheers and laughter, Sounders wiggled and shimmied as she made her entrance to the party room.

"Ain't she something!" said Sounders' granddaughter, Lois Beeler, smiling and shaking her head.

Sounders is in exceptionally good health. Her hearing is sharp, her speech clear and her mind nimble.

On the country having the first black president, she said, "I think he's wonderful; he's going to be an outstanding person of the world."

When asked about the current economic recession, she said, "I've never had a credit card, and I never want one. People are using credit to buy things they want but don't need. Overspending will hurt you."

Sounders has outlived her husband of 68 years and both of her children. Her family spans six generations, including eight grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 75 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandson.

Sounders still lives an active life. She keeps her apartment tidy and cooks for herself; she is a longtime member of the Plymouth Congregational Church of Christ on West Chestnut, and she serves as one of its deacons.

Sounders also is a member of Life after Retirement, a club for elderly people.

"We get together to play Hollywood Poker every Friday, playing for pennies" she said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Sounders said she has no secret to achieving a long life.

"It's about keeping in the right spirit to push yourself to do the things you have to do," she said.

Finding contentment in daily life is key to happiness, Sounders said.

"You have to be satisfied with your life and cherish the ordinary, plain things that mean something to you," she said.

Reporter Linsen Li can be reached at (502) 582-4608.