Veneta Oberhaus turned 90 years old – make that 90 years young – on Dec. 22.
Despite enduring some physical challenges, including COPD and lymphoma leukemia, which require her to be on oxygen – the Martin resident is grateful for her many blessings and tries to embrace each day.
As part of her birthday celebration, her daughter, Rita Carter, recently took her to the Toledo Zoo. As Veneta enjoyed annual Lights Before Christmas display, was surprised by a serenade of “Happy Birthday” performed by the Defiance High School Choir.
Eyeing the ice slide – a new addition to the lights celebration this year – Veneta decided she wanted to try it an experience she described as “like flying through the air.”
Her birthday also offered the nonagenarian the opportunity to cross something else off her bucket list. It had been about 60 years since she was last on a horse and she wanted to go for a ride. Her daughter called Vail Meadows therapeutic equestrian center in Oregon, Working with Wendy Vail-Heskett, they arranged an evening of horseback riding for Veneta.
“Even though she is on oxygen, she was still able to ride around the arena, and enjoyed batting the ball from the poles and putting rings over the tops,” Rita said. “She smiled from ear to ear when she was done – it was a special evening for her.”
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Veneta Oberhaus celebrates her 90th birthday. (Submitted Photo) |
The birthday festivities didn’t stop there. Veneta also enjoyed a motorcycle ride, sat on Santa’s lap (a couple of times), took a carriage ride, dressed up in a `50s outfit, had her picture taken in a `64 Chevy Bel Air, and was the guest of honor at a birthday party at her son’s house.
She also revisited the historic Brandville School, located in Oregon on Grasser Street – the same street where she and her husband Orlen bought their first home.
“It was fun for her to go back and revisit the old neighborhood and reminisce about old times,” Rita said.