100 Years of Faith, Family and Love: Ann Rader Pfisterer celebrates a century of life

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – One hundred years of memories, friendships and a lifetime of service. For Ann Rader Pfisterer, reaching the milestone meant more than adding another candle to the birthday cake. It meant celebrating the people and faith that have shaped her life.

Friends, family and community leaders gathered Monday, Nov. 9, to celebrate Pfisterer’s 100th birthday. The City of Bowling Green and Warren County marked the occasion by proclaiming the day as Ann Rader Pfisterer Day.

Throughout her life, Pfisterer has found ways to put her faith into action, including her work with United Methodist Women and the General Board of Global Ministries. She also played a leading role in establishing the endowment fund for Africa University in Zimbabwe, helping create educational opportunities for students across the continent.

For Pfisterer, the motivation behind that work has always been simple.

“I think love ought to be spread by everybody because God loves us so much,” she said. “And I found through my faith, a kind of way that I can express myself. And that is my loving the wonderful people I know and try to reach beyond that, to do what I can to help others.”

Her century of memories includes a love story of its own. Pfisterer met her husband, Fred, at church while he was leading singing. She recalled a moment during the service when she felt God telling her to take notice of the man who would eventually become her husband.

“Take a good look at that man, because that’s the man you’re going to marry,” she remembered hearing.

The two went on to share 67 years of marriage… or as Pfisterer added, “and a half!”

Today, Pfisterer treasures the opportunity to stay connected with her family, including her two daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even as the world has changed around her, she has found ways to keep those relationships close through technology like FaceTime and Facebook.

And as she celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by the people who have been part of her journey, Pfisterer made sure they knew just how much they meant to her.

“I love you, every one of you. I love you more than I could possibly say,” she told the room.

After a century of life, faith and service, it was a simple message that brought her birthday celebration full circle: love for the people who have made the journey worthwhile.