Dreibelbis, who celebrated her birthday with her son, Galen, and residents and staff members of The Inn, can at least partially thank genetics for her longevity—her mother lived to age 100. Other than that, however, her only “secrets” have been leading an active life on a farm, volunteering in the community and connecting with family and friends. 

Formerly Ruth Herman, she was born “out in the country” in Spring Township, where she lived until 1920, when she moved to Ferguson Township. Except for 10 years when she lived in Westmoreland County, she has lived her entire life in Centre County. She attended State College area schools, including a one-room school house in Ferguson Township. Dreibelbis’ father worked on railroads, and her husband, Bruce, who died in 1973, was born and raised on a 210-acre dairy farm in what is now Tudek Park. 

“I met the neighbor boy, and I stayed,” she said. 

Bruce and Ruth Dreibelbis’ five children were born and raised on the farm, where the family members rode hay wagons, drove horses, milked cows and made their own soap out of bacon fat. “We recycled long before anyone knew anything about recycling,” Dreibelbis said.

 Dreibelbis, who has about 20 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, said she farmed until her last child started school. 

She was a telephone operator at Penn State for 22 years, and after she retired, she volunteered at Centre County Meals on Wheels and at Centre Community Hospital (now Mount Nittany Medical Center). 

Dreibelbis said she keeps busy at The Inn by reading magazines and visiting with friends, and enjoys the scheduled activities that Brookline offers. “I just adjust,” she said. 

The Dreibelbis farm has mostly been taken over by businesses, Galen Dreibelbis said, and Ferguson Township officials turned the original farm house into a farm museum. However, he added, his mother lived in a newer house on the property until about 1 1/ 2 years ago, and she still keeps a home there. She is in good health and has excellent memory, he said, and even drove a car until she was 100. 

“She’s very happy,” Galen Dreibelbis said. 

While Ruth Dreibelbis enjoyed the cake and well wishes from Brookline neighbors and community members at her party, she has other plans for her birthday weekend. Tomorrow, she'll be cheering on the Penn State football team in club seats at Beaver Stadium as the Nittany Lions battle Indiana State.