A Colorado woman recently found herself chuckling at the milestone of reaching 109 years of age, a feat she never anticipated achieving. Her response was as delightful as it was humorous.

Residing in Aurora, Palmer celebrated this remarkable birthday in late February, surrounded by her cherished family, friends, and caregivers. The joyous occasion left a lasting impression, with party decorations still adorning her home weeks after the event.

When the realization of her age finally struck, Palmer couldn’t help but laugh, telling KDVR, “I thought I was too darn ornery to ever get that old.”

Palmer’s life began in Alabama back in 1917, the same year the United States stepped into the fray of World War I. Her life has spanned through monumental events such as two world wars, the Great Depression, and numerous cultural shifts.

Her late husband, Jim Palmer, was a World War II veteran and dedicated Air Force serviceman. His career eventually brought them to Lowry Air Force Base in the late 1950s.

In 1959, the couple settled in Aurora, where they purchased their first home and lovingly raised their five children, marking the beginning of a long and fulfilling journey in the community.

During their marriage, Palmer spent three years living in Germany with her husband and traveled extensively before settling down in Colorado.

Over the years, she held several jobs, including working at a bookstore on the base, a shoe store and later a department store where she spent nearly two decades.

Irma Palmer celebrated her 109th birthday in February

Born in 1917, she has lived through two world wars, the Great Depression and decades of social change

She continued working well into her later years, eventually retiring at the age of 88 after stints as a caregiver and driver.

A longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Aurora, Palmer has said she is grateful for the full and exciting life she has lived.

Despite her age, she remained fiercely independent well into her 100s and continued living in the same home where she raised her children.

Her daughter, Debbie Safonovs, said she even had her driver’s license renewed at 100.

However, after breaking her hip at 104, she required full-time live-in care.

Her longevity and life alongside her husband’s military service recently earned her recognition as the outlet’s Serving Those Who Serve Hero of the Month for April 2026.

She spoke tenderly about her late husband, who died decades ago.

Born in 1917, Palmer moved to Colorado with her late husband, a World War II veteran and Air Force serviceman, and raised five children

‘Well, I miss him so much. He was a wonderful man. Wonderful husband,’ she said.

Palmer, who jokes about the attention her age brings, continues to charm those around her with her sharp humor and unapologetic personality, even crediting her stubborn streak for helping her reach such a remarkable age. 

‘Well, I got so much ornery in me, the good Lord’s having a hard time getting it out,’ she quipped.

And when asked the secret to living to 109, she didn’t hesitate to share her cheeky advice.

‘Well, the first thing was drinking White Lightning (moonshine), and the second thing was chasing good-looking men,’ she said.