Community members, family and friends congratulate Lois Langford on her 100th birthday during a community celebration in Live Oak. Pictured, from left, are Dave Anderson, Mary Anderson and Langford. Photo by Seti Long

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) – A Live Oak woman recently reached a milestone that few achieve, turning 100 years old.

Lois Langford's family shared stories about her life during a celebration Saturday as her remaining siblings gathered to honor her accomplishments.

"Lois Langford was the oldest child of 12 children," Langford's daughter, Janet Benzel, said.

"Lois was a twin. She only weighed 2 pounds at birth," Benzel said. "She was placed in a small wooden grape box near the oven, which was used as an incubator. A woman's wedding band would fit on her wrist."

Despite those early challenges, Langford grew into a strong worker.

Born in Kansas, Langford worked alongside her brothers and father in the wheat fields. After other members of her family moved to California in 1954, Langford followed in 1960 and made Live Oak her home.

Langford became well known in both the Live Oak and Gridley communities. She worked at the Libby's cannery in Gridley processing peaches and cleaned houses during the off-season while raising five children.

She later worked in the Live Oak High School District cafeteria, but many people know her for spending 43 years working the gates at Live Oak High School football and basketball games.

"She's an icon," said Sarina Tilton, a former principal's secretary at Live Oak High School, as she reflected on Langford's years of service to the community.

Tilton said Langford was often the first to arrive and the last to leave football and basketball games. She helped set up, managed ticket sales and stayed until cleanup was complete.

Langford's dedication to the school inspired the creation of a basketball tournament in her honor. The tournament will celebrate its 29th year this season.

Langford's 100th birthday was marked with several celebrations, including a community gathering Saturday, July 18, at the Live Oak Community Center.

Despite her age, Langford still drives and regularly travels to Gridley to play bingo and participate in senior center activities. She also remains a loyal subscriber to the Gridley Herald.

As her daughter Janet said, "To know Lois is to love Lois."