When Yvonne Stults turned 100, she chose a thrill over a traditional party. The 100‑year‑old resident of St. Joseph Senior Citizens Center was driven two hours from Nashville to the Nashville Zoo for a ride on the Soaring Eagle seated zipline, a first‑time experience she’d long dreamed of.
Family and faith fuel the celebration
“I’m celebrating my 100th birthday,” Stults told reporter Forrest Sanders, smiling as she reached for a Milk Dud for luck. The candy, she says, is her secret to staying healthy and happy. Her daughter, Diane Beecham, joined her on the zipline, laughing, “Give me just one, huh?” and later shouted, “We’re coming back!” as they glided down the line.
Stults’ faith was a central theme of the day. “I just think God’s taking care of me,” she said, expressing gratitude for the adventure and the support of her family and the senior center staff who arranged the trip.
Adventure knows no age
Stults isn’t new to daring pursuits. At 90, she went skiing, and now, at 100, she proved that age is no barrier to trying something new. “I’ve always wanted to do it,” she said before the ride, and after the zipline, she added, “Just don’t even think about it, just do it.”
The Soaring Eagle zipline is a seated line that offers a gentle, scenic glide over the zoo’s habitats, making it suitable for a wide range of participants, including seniors seeking a safe yet exhilarating experience.
Community support
The trip was organized by staff at St. Joseph Senior Citizens Center, who drove Stults and Beecham to the zoo and coordinated the zipline reservation. Their dedication highlights the importance of community programs that enable seniors to enjoy memorable moments and stay active.
“There’s a bunch of people who’d do anything for Stults,” Beecham noted, reflecting the deep affection and respect the community holds for the centenarian.
Celebrating milestones together
While the zipline ride was the centerpiece, the day also featured simple pleasures: sharing Milk Duds, laughing together, and expressing gratitude for a life well‑lived. The experience underscores how local attractions can create lasting memories for residents of all ages.
Stults’ story is a reminder that faith, family, and community can combine to make even a centennial birthday extraordinary.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
