Oak Ridge Manor resident Mattie Gaston celebrated her 105th birthday with friends and Elvis impersonator Harvey McFadden on Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

Gaston enjoyed a birthday party full of Elvis songs, dancing, cake and root beer floats.

Margaret Clayton of Brownwood, Gaston’s daughter, along with other family members attended the birthday party and recounted special moments with her mother.

“Mom always said she wanted to wear out, not rust out,” said Clayton.  “I never went home when she wasn’t having a party for somebody.”

During the party, Gaston requested that someone sing “Young at Heart” by Frank Sinatra.  One line of the song states, “If you should survive to 105 look at all you’ll have derived out of being alive!” which was very appropriate for the occasion.

Mrs. Gaston truly enjoyed the party and, according to those who know her best, enjoys life with a sense of humor, even at 105!

Mrs. Gaston attributes her longevity to “lots of love and encouragement” and that the main ingredient of her happy life has been “love and trust,” according to one of her caregivers, Paige Grimes.