What beats the invention of the blender, penicillin, and even the U.S. moon landing? A Michigan woman celebrating her spectacular 114th birthday this July 4th!

Meet Bonita Gibson, the oldest living person in Michigan, according to Waltonwood representatives. Residing at Waltonwood Carriage Park just outside Detroit, Gibson is part of a rare group of supercentenarians—those aged 110 and above.

Joining her in this extraordinary club are other remarkable individuals like 114-year-old Naomi Whitehead from Pennsylvania, Mary Harris from Tennessee, and Texas's very own 113-year-old Winnie Felps.

Bonita's incredible journey began on July 4, 1911, in Hoxie, Kansas. After living through the Spanish Flu and marking her territory in rural Missouri, she became the oldest verified person in Michigan following the passing of Irene Dunham in May 2022. Her age was officially validated by the Gerontology Research Group just before her 112th birthday.

But Gibson's adventurous life didn’t stop there! At 99, she was still driving, and she fulfilled a lifelong dream of flying when she took her first plane ride at 100 years old to San Diego.

What’s Her Secret?

When it comes to longevity, Bonita claims it's all about the basics. "Eating potatoes, healthy diets, staying positive, and avoiding smoking and alcohol have been key to my long life," she shared.

A Life of Resilience

Bonita and her late husband Kenneth's love story began in high school, leading to their marriage in 1930 during the Great Depression. They lived humbly on a farm, where they overcame challenges together. Reflecting on those times, she shared fond memories of their days filled with chickens, a huge garden, and fruit trees, despite having little money to spend.

Their journey took them to Idaho, where Kenneth became entrenched in the potato industry. Bonita, initially inexperienced in cooking, took on the role as the family cook as her husband worked in the fields.

Family & New Beginnings

After about seven years of marriage, they welcomed their son, Kenneth Richard, in January 1937. With her husband working as a potato broker, they eventually made their way back to Michigan after decades in Idaho.

At 102, Bonita moved to a nursing home in Canton, Michigan, to be closer to her grandson. And in a playful twist, she jokingly requested a ride on his Harley, but he declined.

Bonita remains an active part of her family, talking to her son every night and enjoying the company of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Celebrations Ahead

This year, she's gearing up for a memorable birthday celebration in the downtown Plymouth Fourth of July Parade, complete with a banner celebrating her remarkable milestone.

Looking back on her life, Bonita treasures the over 70 years she spent with Kenneth. "We had the most fun dancing every Saturday with friends during the 50s and 60s!" she fondly recounted.

When it comes to the secret of their long-lasting marriage, she chuckled, "We didn't have any money to leave each other, so we just stayed together!" With roots as deep as hers, the essence of life for Bonita Gibson is living fully, savoring the simple joys—and yes, eating plenty of potatoes!