When June W. Bess was born, William Howard Taft was president of the United States. Bess, who resides in Bremerton, celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb. 8 with friends and family at her home at Bay Vista.

Bess was born June Williamson in Salt Lake City, Utah. She lived in Salt Lake City for 50 years and then California for ten years before moving to Silverdale. Bess has lived at Bay Vista since 2009.

Her eldest son, Stanley, travelled with his wife from New Jersey for his mother’s birthday.

“During the war she put up fruit, bushels of tomatoes, jams – – funny how that’s one thing that really sticks out in my memory,” he recalled.

He also said that during the war his mother worked hard to get priority approval with the mail service so she could get his bike delivered.

“I was nine years old,” he said.

Bess spoke about raising her three children, Stanley, Larry and Kathie, as her most “notable life event.” Her sons, Stanley and Larry, attended her celebration, along with their wives.

She loves to have coffee and socialize. Her birthday celebration was special.

“The wonderful people around me and all the good wishes and joy makes it special,” she said.

The family followed up with a second birthday party on Feb. 9.