POST FALLS - Throughout her long life, Lucille Wardlow has resided in Nebraska, Idaho, California, Montana, Oregon, Washington and probably a few other states that didn't make the list.

She once did soil conservation work during the Dust Bowl years. Her son, Lewis Shineflew, now 85 years old, helped build the Hungry Horse dam in northwest Montana. She has six great-great-grandchildren.

And on Wednesday, March 23, Lucille Wardlow celebrated her 101st birthday.

"She's a tough gal. She just knows how to get out there and get it done," said Doris Shineflew, Lewis's wife. "She's a fighter. She's not a quitter."

Wardlow lives in Otis Orchards with her son and daughter-in-law. She broke her leg a couple of weeks ago, and is currently recovering at the Life Care Center of Post Falls.

On Thursday, the center threw a party for the 101-year-old. A guitarist played songs and birthday cake was served. Family members, church friends, Care Center residents and a few staffers gathered to celebrate.

"I've met a lot of really nice people," Wardlow said, speaking to a roomful of well-wishers. "They're fantastic, all of them. They treat you so great. I just didn't realize how great they could be."

Wardlow's first home was on the Great Plains.

"I was born in Nebraska, and I fell in love with the Missouri River," she recalled. "I loved that old river."

Traveling the country, Wardlow held various jobs in many different locales. Her family grew larger: Lewis, two grandsons who would become U.S. Marines, five great-grandchildren. She married Ralph Wardlow, who has since passed away.

Her hobbies included quilting and doll-making, but now her eyesight has faded. She's also a firearms enthusiast.

Before she moved to North Idaho, Wardlow's last stop was Hillsboro, Ore.

These days, Lewis and Doris often take her out to dinner. It's something Wardlow greatly enjoys, Doris said. Old Country Buffet is the family's favorite eatery.

"She loves to go out to eat," Doris said.