Hundreds gather for Dorothy Heying's 100th birthday party

Dorothy Heying (left) greets a well-wisher.

By Alex Luft

If the number of one's friends is a measure of a life's worth, then Dorothy Heying has accomplished much in her 100 years on earth. The former teacher, who retired from teaching at Hermann High in 1979, celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, Dec. 5 at Hermann United Methodist Church.

Well-wishers showed up in droves, coming in such volume that there was a long line a wait of up to an hour to speak with Heying. Party-goers came from all over Hermann, from around the state and as far away as Peoria, Ill.

Church members, educators, politicians and Hermann residents of all walks of life attended Saturday to wish Heying a happy 100th birthday.

Heying's advice for longevity is to trust doctors' advice. The centenarian still lives on her own and occasionally drives around town.

To read Hermann News' coverage of Heying's meeting with former students at Hermann High School earlier this week, click here.