All-life resident Gertie Eicks turned 106 years old on Monday, January 23.

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Eicks lived independently until she was 104 years old of age. She is now a resident of Esther Adult Care and still residing in Douglas, where she was born and raised.

Friends and family said that she is still as sharp as tack and recalls things that only the history books make account of.

“She was six years old when Arizona became a state,” Great Niece Tammy Sue Smith said. “She is older than Arizona! Not too many folks can add that to their resume.”

They also said Eicks has very little family left. “I consider it a privilege to take care of my Great Aunt,” Smith said.

The following is part of Eicks’ biography shared by Smith:

Gertie Eicks was born January 23, 1906, to cattle ranchers William and Carrie Gardner of Douglas, Arizona. Gertie’s mother died when she was only five years of age. Needless to say, Gertie grew up fast, as she assumed the household chores of cooking, cleaning and washing the clothes for not only her dad but her brothers as well. She had five full brothers: Kearney, Willis, Gabe, Gilbert, and Berry and one half brother, Bob.

Gertie and her brothers grew up very poor on the T6 Ranch, north of Douglas. The Gardner’s lived in a small stone house that her father built and drew water from the old hand dug well. The Gardner boys were well known for their fast horses. When they lost a horse race though, Will would match Gertie in foot races to win back his money. She played basketball and ran track in High School gaining the reputation as quite the athlete.

Gertie met the love of her life, Franz Eicks, at a dance at the old Adobe Barn.

At the age of 17 she and Franz were married in the home she grew up in. They moved into Douglas and left their ranch wages of $3.50 per month behind for more suitable work. It wasn’t long before they had their one and only child, Edward Eicks. Franz was a hard worker and in no time he and Gertie owned a plumbing company, Eicks Plumbing, and lovingly served the people of their community of years. After Will died, the Gardner Ranch sold, but in no time, they were able to buy it back. She remembers that day like it was yesterday.

Crafting has always been a big part of Gertie’s life. She used to quilt, sew, and crochet with the best of them. She is still a member of The Cowbelles, and was a member of the Rucker Homemakers Club and the Douglas Lunch Bunch for years. At one point or another, she has been president of just about every organization or club out there!

To this day, Gertie loves ranch life and the rural people. Her family was very active in Rodeo when it was going strong in Douglas and Shoutheastern Arizona. But the dearest thing to heart is her Lord and Savior. Gertie is still a member of the Bisbee Seventh Day Adventist Church and remembers when both her and Franz taught Sunday School and led Bible studies in their home for many years. She thanks God for a happy, healthy and very long life!

Gertie is loved by so many people. Her life is amazing and what she has experienced in her lifetime is unbelievable.