Celebrating 105 Remarkable Years: Ruby Mitchell’s Birthday Brings Love from Across the Country

A few weeks before her big day, we shared a simple request on Facebook: help us make Ruby’s milestone birthday extra special by sending her a card. We could never have imagined the response that followed.

More than 105 birthday cards arrived at Morning Light from all across Indiana and even beyond. Schools, families, and individuals from across the country sent handmade cards, letters, and heartfelt notes to wish Ruby well. One entire classroom of children spent an afternoon creating beautiful, hand-painted cards just for her — each one filled with color, joy, and love.

When Ruby opened them, she was deeply moved. “I can’t believe how many people cared enough to write,” she said with a smile. “It makes me feel so loved.”

Born in Cincinnati in 1920, Ruby has witnessed 19 U.S. presidents come and go, two world wars, and a century of change in our country and culture. As a proud member of the Greatest Generation, Ruby has raised a loving family and built a life full of compassion and strength. Today, as a great-great-grandmother, she continues to inspire everyone who meets her.

Her family gathered with her the Sunday before her birthday to celebrate here at Morning Light. Together, they filled the room with laughter, stories, and the warmth that only family can bring.

At Morning Light, moments like this are at the heart of our mission. We believe that no one should spend their final days alone or forgotten. Our homes are designed to give families the space to simply be families again, to reconnect, celebrate, and find comfort together. For loved ones caring for someone with a terminal illness, we strive to lift that heavy burden and replace it with support, dignity, and love.

During Ruby’s birthday week, our staff joined in the celebration too. We decorated with 105 balloons, lit 105 candles, shared cake and laughter, and read aloud the many beautiful messages that had arrived from near and far. At Ruby’s side was her dear friend Doug, a fellow resident who shares many meals and memories with her. The two of them hugged as we wished her a very happy 105th birthday.

To everyone who sent a card, a note, or even a kind thought — thank you. You helped make Ruby’s milestone birthday truly unforgettable. In fact, her story even made it onto Channel 13 News, spreading her joy and gratitude across our community.

All of Ruby’s cards now sit in her cozy room, where she takes time each day to look through them, one by one. Each message is a reminder of how deeply she is loved, not just by those who know her, but by people all across the country who wanted to make one remarkable woman feel celebrated.

From all of us at Morning Light, thank you for helping us surround Ruby with the love she deserves.