Yuma woman turns 101-years-old this weekend

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - It's a birthday party of the century plus one as Mariana Neblina celebrated her 101st birthday this weekend at Cocopah RV & Golf Resort.

"Muy vieja," Neblina said in Spanish, which means "I'm real old."

Neblina was born in 1922 and grew up in a small town in Sonora, Mexico.

She married her husband Julio at just 13-years-old. They were married for over 60 years before he passed away in 2003.

"He was a really good husband, a great father and a good son to his parents," Neblina described.

Through her marriage with Julio, Neblina has six children, but one of her sons died after being hit by a drunk driver.

"My son died not so long ago and I am still mourning the loss of him, but we were so happy together," Neblina shared.

Her children all say they're grateful to still have their mother around after so many years.

"She was always looking out for us and she was always a hard-working woman," said Elvia Ledesma, Neblina's daughter.

As her family and loved ones celebrate this special day, Neblina says the one thing that has been most important in her long life is family.

"How do I feel? I feel happy here with my family and I feel great," Neblina declared.

A recent study by the United Nations estimates that less than 0.03% of the American population is over 100-years-old.