Cadiz resident Virginia Henderson celebrates 102nd birthday

Cadiz resident Blanche “Virginia” Henderson, known affectionately as Virginia, was born in Cadiz on Muskingum Street and has now surpassed the century mark for the second time. Now 102, she is convalescing at the Meadows of Cadiz following hip surgery. She has lived at the Meadows since February 2025.

Still full of spirit, Henderson has fond memories of growing up in Cadiz. Born to Doyle and Irene Mattern Nov. 14, 1923, she moved with her family from Cadiz to a farm just outside the city limits when she was 6 years old.

Staff at the Meadows held a birthday celebration for Henderson on her birthday and presented her with a cake decorated with candles reflecting her age. Her room was decorated with birthday banners and balloons. One guest asked, “Virginia, how did you make it to 102?” She said, “Just keep breathing in and out.” Staff sang “Happy Birthday,” and many offered good wishes.

Tammy Best, the facility’s activities director, coordinated the celebration, decorations and cake.

“We are very happy to be able to celebrate this occasion with Virginia,” Best said. “Here at the Meadows all of our residents are cared for in every way. Having a birthday celebration makes both the residents and the staff very happy.”

Henderson married the late Bill Henderson of Cadiz in 1947, and the couple raised three children: Amy, Bill and Bob. Early in their marriage, they shared housing with Carl and Gertrude Brewer of Cadiz.

Virginia’s sons Bob and Bill attended the celebration, each sharing memories of growing up in Cadiz. Bob’s wife, Denise, also attended, along with Bill’s son, Steven.

“I can remember that Mom made homemade noodles every year for Thanksgiving,” Bob Henderson said. “I also remember that she said they moved from Warren Street to my great-grandparents’ farm when she was 6 years old.”

“I also remember talking about the move from Muskingum to Warren,” Bill Henderson said. “That was during the Great Depression. Calvin Coolidge was the president of the United States at the time.”

Henderson chatted briefly during the celebration. Though shy, she shared a few words. She recalled, “I have met a lot of people over the years in Cadiz. I spoke with them, and it made me look like I have sense. Like everyone, I’ve talked about our neighbors, but now my memory is fading, and it’s hard to remember.”