This month, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the centurions in our town. Ms. Ruth Wosic has been a full-time resident of Pahrump since 2009, though she visited often since 1997.
For many of these years, she found great joy in living life as a snowbird, much like many in our community. Her favorite summer destination was her daughter’s home in Alaska, where the dramatic contrast between the desert heat and the gentle 50–60-degree temperatures felt like a gift.
Born in Czechoslovakia, Ms. Wosic has lived in many countries, her favorite being Austria. Her mother was Austrian and a chef, passing down traditions rooted in food, family, and meaningful memories.
During our visit, Ms. Wosic often smiled at her son and spoke fondly of her visits to Alaska. Now, she enjoys his presence daily as they share an interdependent life here, supported by his attentive care.
As a business owner myself, I took great delight in hearing her speak of her career. At just 23, she entered an apprenticeship in a dressmaking business in Salzberg, Austria and by the age of 25, she was entrusted to take over the company, overseeing 48 employees. At 27, she received the final non-citizen college scholarship awarded by the Governor and went on to earn her master’s degree in Dressmaking, Design and Business Administration.
Her career brought many honors. She designed gowns for countless clients and dignitaries, including Byroness VonTrop (original family featured in the Sound of Music) yet her face truly lit up as she spoke about creating costumes for high school cheer teams across the U.S. while residing in Southern California for 45 years. She loved seeing each young woman’s delight as she carefully tailored every piece to ensure the perfect fit. I had the joy of seeing one of her gowns—now more than 70 years old, every bead was hand-stitched. I laughed, admitting I don’t even have the patience to hem my own clothes.
Laughter, she shared, is one of her essential ingredients for a long life. After all, how else might one receive a call from Bob Hope asking to come over for lunch?
Naturally, our conversation turned to aging. “Ms. Wosic,” I asked, “if I didn’t know better, I would guess—perhaps exaggerating—that you’re 70. How? Are there secrets you’d share?” That familiar smile returned, and she giggled. “I didn’t even have wrinkles until I was in my 80s. Pay attention to the foods you eat. I’ve avoided processed foods my entire life.” Her son chimed in, “Avoid aluminum cans!” She nodded. “That’s right. Our health is found in food and preserving it means using glass rather than plastic or aluminum. Prebiotic and probiotic foods should be consumed daily.”
Her passion for fresh food became even clearer as she spoke about gardening. “Gardening—I bet that’s one of the secrets to your health,” I said. “Oh yes,” she replied. “At 100, my doctor says I’m one of his healthiest patients, and I take no prescription medications. I wouldn’t have been cleared for two surgeries in my 90s—one at 99—if I weren’t healthy.” Gardening, she explained, isn’t just about chemical-free food. It is about being in the dirt, soaking up sunshine, composting, recycling, and caring for the life around us. Until this summer, she swam regularly, averaging 1,100–1,700 butterfly strokes at a time.
“The hardest part about turning 100,” she admitted, “is slowing down.” She lives with daily pain but refuses to surrender to it. “I rest when I need to, then I get back up. I won’t sit too long. I still cook most of our meals. I keep a chair nearby so I can rest when needed.”
When asked what advice she would offer younger generations, she paused thoughtfully, then said quietly, “Stay positive and fight for yourself. Don’t rely on others to do what you must do for yourself. And remember what my mother taught me: if you don’t open your mouth, you open your pocketbook.”
Her words felt less like advice and more like a quiet inheritance reminder that longevity isn’t measured only in years lived, but in presence, and the courage to live fully, deliberately, and on one’s own terms. Our time together felt more like investing in a happier version of my life than an interview. Her presence encourages me to keep laughing and then laugh again.
