A century to celebrate

Elva Lostroh used to scream when startled.

Once a practical joking family member urged her to remain in a grain truck cab while the crew unloaded its cargo. As the cab tipped back, she let out a curdling howl, momentarily interrupting harvest. Another time one of her screams almost caused an accident.

But that was a long time ago.

Elva Crowell Davison Lostroh turns 100 on Sept. 6. Over the weekend, she welcomed hundreds of guests during a reception at the Sidney Regional Medical Center’s Extended Care facility.

“It’s quite a day,” she said.

Her lone surviving sister, Marilyn Wenberg, traveled from Lander, Wyo. for the occasion. Sons Lynn Davison of Tucson, Ariz. and Delbert Davison from San Antonio, Tex. Made the trek, as did dozens of family members from across the country. Friends and SRMC staff also filled the room.

“I know most of these people,” she said, showing off a bright smile.

She was born in a sod house located north of Wauneta. After completing her education at then Greeley State College, Chadron State College and the Sidney Business Institute, she taught for many years. Eventually she entered city government, holding the position of Clerk of the District Court until retiring in 1986.

She moved to the SRMC Extended Care center in 2009.

The party featured cake—with one candle for the birthday girl.

“At 100, you get to start over,” son Lynn Davison told her before the crowd saluted with a chorus of “Happy Birthday.”