Local Resident Celebrates 100 Years of Life

COLTON>> Anita Batres,a long-time Colton resident, will celebrate her birthday this year by turning 100 years old Sept. 8. Batres was born in 1916 in Springfield, TX and is the oldest of 8 children and was the only girl of all brothers. Anita was married for over 50 years to Felix Batres who has since passed away. She has four children, Tony, Stella, Richard and Mary Helen; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She is a devout Catholic and has been a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a baseball team she has loved to watch for many years. She spends her time sewing and crocheting including doilies, blankets, bedspreads and sweaters. Her granddaughter, Joanne Medina, said every time one of her grandchildren says “goodbye,” Batres says a blessing for them. “She is our little angel right here on earth that has a heart full of compassion and love,” Medina said. “All of her family wishes her a happy 100th birthday." Medina said her family is having a surprise party for her at the Gonzales Center in Colton. She will be surrounded by her family and friends. Medina said there is not a doubt that Batres will eat a lot of cake since she loves sweets.