She loves Kit Kats and Chinese food. Columbus woman celebrates turning 103 years old

It might be hard to imagine living through numerous wars and more than 15 Presidential administrations, but for Eleanor Tanner it’s easy. After all, she’s about to be 103 years old.

Eleanor, born on Feb. 22, 1917, has seen a lot and done more. Though her current home is at The Gardens at Calvary, she’s been all over the country, according to her son Gerald Tanner.

During WWII, Eleanor did clerical work with the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps in Texas. Once she was out of the service, Eleanor went to Baltimore, Maryland, where she met Gerald’s father, who was in the Navy at the time.

The rest is history, according to Gerald. His parents married and moved all over the country due to his father’s job in the Navy, but eventually found that Columbus was the right place to come back to and live.

Eleanor credits surviving so long to the Lord, Gerald said. The Gardens at Calvary threw her a party when she turned 100 and the parties have only increased as she’s increased in age.

She loves Kit-Kats, chocolate and Chinese food — those were just a few of her many gifts at her birthday celebration on Feb. 19.

More than 15 residents and a number of family members joined Eleanor to celebrate, including a great-great-great grandchild. Eleanor ate vanilla ice cream and cake, with her son Gerald right by her side.

“We’re very close at this point in our lives,” Gerald said. “It’s impossible to narrow down just one special moment with her because they all are.”

As for what’s next for Eleanor, she has her official birthday celebration at Chef Lee’s Peking Restaurant in Columbus on Saturday.

After that, of course, is gearing up for her 104th birthday party.

This story was originally published February 20, 2020 at 10:08 AM.