The Oldest Living Person In The US Just Turned 115

November 12, 2022

The oldest living person in the United States just turned 115.

She celebrated her birthday this week with her kids in Lake City, Iowa.

oldest woman in US
Bessie Hendricks is 115 / Credit: KCCI.com

Bessie Hendricks was born in 1907.

She has witnessed 21 presidents, two world wars, and the sinking of the Titanic.

"I don't know how you put it into words," said her 90-year-old daughter, Joan Schaffer. "It's marvelous that we still have her."

oldest woman in US
Bessie Hendricks / Credit: KCCI.com

All three of Hendricks' surviving children joined her for a birthday party at Shady Oaks Care Center in Lake City.

"Her mother died when she was about 13," Schaffer told KCCI News. "I think mom was about 13 years old. And she raised her siblings after that."

The siblings sang to their mom, held hands and enjoyed a moment few in the world ever have.

"She's always caring about her family," said Leon Hendricks, her son. "She always did that. Family came first to mom. Always."