GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — On Saturday, the Good Samaritan Society in Grand Island became a gathering place for love, laughter, and deep-rooted belief as family and friends came together to honor Anita Pedersen, who turned 105 years old the day before. The milestone was marked not just by the number of candles on the cake, but by the enduring faith that has shaped her life and touched everyone around her.

Pedersen, a sprightly figure at the door, welcomed each guest personally before her family gently guided her to the center of the room. Her grandson, Clark Pedersen, took the floor and spoke about what he described as the most important thing in her life: her faith in God. He painted a picture of a woman whose daily actions reflect a deep, quiet spirituality.

When someone asked Pedersen for the secret behind her long life, she offered a simple, heartfelt answer. “The have peace of God in your heart,” she said, her words carrying the weight of a century of experience.

Clark Pedersen shared how his grandmother’s faith was woven into the fabric of family life. “Grandma used to read stories about people who made mistakes and yet Jesus still loved them,” he recalled. Those stories, he said, left a lasting impression on everyone who heard them.

One family member, reflecting on Pedersen’s influence, noted that her example had a profound effect on their own spiritual journey. “She’s one of the reasons I started going to church a long time ago,” the relative said, underscoring how her quiet consistency can inspire even decades later.

Perhaps the most striking example of Pedersen’s devotion came from Clark’s description of her interactions with strangers. “Most people will hang up the phone when there’s a telemarketer. Grandma takes the time to tell them about Jesus,” he said, drawing laughter and nods of recognition from the crowd. It’s a small but telling detail that reveals how her faith is not reserved for Sunday mornings or family gatherings, but extends to everyday encounters.

The celebration also featured a local preacher who offered remarks, followed by a touching musical performance. Pedersen’s great-grandchildren sang songs about Jesus, their young voices filling the room with a sense of continuity and hope. Then the entire group broke into a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” for the beloved matriarch.

Pedersen, who has now lived through more than a century of change, closed the gathering with a message she said she wants the whole world to hear. “I want other people to be in Heaven,” she declared, her voice clear and steady. It was a statement that captured the essence of a life lived with purpose beyond herself.

Family members said that faith remains the central pillar of who Pedersen is, even at 105. They described her as a woman of routine prayer, quiet strength, and an unwavering belief that her calling is to share love and grace. In a world often focused on speed and distraction, her example stands as a reminder of the power of a steady, faithful heart.

The event was a testament not only to longevity but to the kind of life that leaves a mark on others. As the afternoon wound down, those present carried away more than just memories of cake and songs; they carried a renewed sense of what it means to live with conviction and kindness.