Ruth was born in Sydney on June 7, 1921. She grew up on Sydney's Northern Beaches and said she remembers her childhood fondly.

"I went to school and grew up on the Northern Beaches, I do remember a lot from my childhood and I know that I enjoyed it," she said.

After finishing high school, Ruth went to business college in Sydney and started working as a private secretary.

"I worked through the war as a private secretary, right through until the end of the war," she said.

Ruth met Allen Henning in Sydney when they were in their early 20s and the pair were married in 1944.

"We had two sons, Bruce was born first and then Ross, who sadly passed away 11 years ago," Ruth said.

Ruth and Allen moved their family to North Curl Curl and the Blue Mountains before settling in Wauchope.

"It was too cold for us in the Blue Mountains, so we decided to go somewhere warmer," Ruth said.

They lived in Wauchope for five years before moving to Le Hamel Retirement Village in Port Macquarie in 1992.

After close to 60 years of marriage, Allen sadly passed away in 2003.

"He was a lovely man and it was difficult when he passed away."

Ruth said living at Le Hamel Retirement Village has allowed her to make many close friends since Allen's passing.

"It's a great place to be, I've made so many friends here," Ruth said.

Le Hamel Retirement Village manager Tina Madden said Ruth is quite active and still plays cards with the other residents.

"She's as sharp as a tack and it's amazing how good she is at 100," she said.

"Ruth used to play bowls over at the Hibbard Sports Club and she is still actively involved with the club.

"It's a privilege to be around her."

Ruth's son Bruce organised a birthday celebration for her on Monday, June 7, while residents at Le Hamel Retirement Village celebrated the special occasion on Friday, June 11.

When asked her secret to living such a full and rich life, Ruth said it's all because of the simple things.

"You have to keep busy and always have a sense of humour," she said.

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