Pauline Bower turns 105 at Life Care Center of Seneca

Pauline Bower, a resident at Life Care Center of Seneca, Kansas, celebrated her 105^th birthday on Feb. 23, 2021.

“It was a little scary to think about at first,” Pauline said. “I never thought I would ever live to be 105. The day came, and I thought, ‘How can I really be 105 years old?’ Everyone is so good to me, it made things a little easier turning 105. I’m glad and lucky – everything still works for me.”

The facility held a card shower for her, and the community sent in more than 700 birthday cards!

Pauline was born at home in Basin, Wyoming. Her father was an irrigator who irrigated farms in the area (she assisted him when she was in high school), and her mother was a stay-at-home mom. She had one sister.

In high school, Pauline developed vision problems and moved to Topeka, Kansas, so she could have eye treatments. She lived with an aunt and uncle there and graduated from Topeka High School. That is where she met her husband, Robert Bower. They had no children but stayed very close to Pauline’s three nephews.

The Bowers ran an International Harvesters dealership for 11 years. They then sold it and purchased Western Auto, a mercantile store, which they ran until they retired at age 70.

When asked what has contributed to her longevity, Pauline credited drinking Dr. Pepper.

She also added, “I try to mind my own business and behave myself.”