A video clip of Inez Beiswanger’s 105th surprise birthday party and interview with WNDU Channel 16.

Text, Photos and Video
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — A few individuals planned a surprise birthday celebration Sunday, Dec. 1 for Inez Beiswanger’s upcoming 105th birthday.

“I didn’t expect all these people,” Beiswanger stated, but she was thankful for the luncheon and surprise. Her daughter, Dr. Vicki DeMao, who was in attendance, was also grateful for the community of Milford for wanting to recognize her mother and those who organized the event.

A carry-in lunch at Milford First Brethren Church was organized for the surprise celebration by Sue Vanlaningham, Vicky Neff and Brenda Niles. A few former neighbors and members of her bridge club were among the guests.

A photo of Inez as an infant.

Many well wishes were offered to Inez, whose actual birthday is Dec. 9 and a family gathering is planned.

A timeline of photos and memories were displayed on the wall and a special birthday cake was presented to Beiswanger. The cake was topped with a special flower that opened up and lit candles on the petals, which was a big fascination to Beiswanger.

She was born in Nappanee to Charles and Lulu Stahly on Dec. 9, 1919, and graduated from Nappanee High School. The family lived on a farm along US 6. She was the youngest of three and the only girl.

She lived in Rochester for a short time after her first marriage, and then after several years, the family moved to Milford, where she has resided since.

She has three children, seven grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.

Following the luncheon, Beiswanger was interviewed by News Center 16 in which a segment of the interview will be aired on Channel 16 at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday and possibly at noon on Monday.

Individuals who want to send Beiswanger birthday wishes can send the cards to First Brethren Church, Milford,