At 105, Iva Vest Celebrates Life, Legacy, and a New Generation
In a heartwarming celebration in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Iva Vest marked not just one, but two extraordinary milestones—her 105th birthday and the arrival of her great-great-great-granddaughter, who fittingly shares her name: Iva.
Born in 1917, Iva has lived through a century of change, from the horse-and-buggy days to the smartphone era. Yet on Sunday, July 24, the theme was timeless love and community. Surrounded by nearly 70 friends and family members at Los Altos Christian Church, Iva was the star of the day in a pink tiara and matching outfit—her signature color for the party. Pink, chosen to symbolize health and femininity, perfectly reflected Iva’s enduring spirit.
“I was overwhelmed,” she told KOAT-TV. “I saw friends I hadn’t seen for quite a while.”
That same day, Iva’s family welcomed a sixth-generation baby girl into the world—little Iva—making the celebration even more meaningful.
A Century of Memories
Iva’s life story reads like a chapter in American history. Raised on a farm in Iowa, she attended a one-room country school and got her first taste of electricity at age 12. Before that, kerosene lamps and lanterns lit her childhood home. She and her husband graduated from the same class in 1934, later marrying and spending 55 years together. Their legacy includes three daughters, seven grandchildren, and generations that continue to grow.
Vest recalls riding a horse to school and playing with dolls as an only child—dolls she still treasures and displays in her home. Now, those cherished toys are poised to become heirlooms for the great-great-grandchildren she adores.
Iva’s Secret to a Long Life
When asked for the key to her longevity, Iva didn’t offer any strict rules or complicated routines. Instead, her advice was simple yet profound:
“Try to live a happy life and eat healthily.”
Those words carry the weight of experience, echoed by her daughter’s own memory of Iva’s golden rule:
“Treat people as you want to be treated.”
It’s wisdom that has guided her through the decades—and it’s still guiding the generations she’s helped shape.
A Living Legacy
Iva’s 100th birthday may have felt like the pinnacle, but every year since has only added to her legacy. She continues to pass down recipes, traditions, and family values with grace and joy. As she enters her 106th year, Iva remains a reminder that longevity isn’t just about living long—it’s about living meaningfully.
In her own quiet way, Iva Vest has become a symbol of resilience, kindness, and the power of generational love. And for those lucky enough to know her—or to share her name—her presence is a gift that keeps on giving.