Elizabeth Ann Cole Sphar, a much-beloved Central Kentucky woman, and mother, is celebrating her centennial birthday.

Elizabeth Ann, who was born Aug. 8, 1918, to Ernest Cole, MD, and Anna Caroline Crandall Cole of Winchester, and turns 100 today.

Elizabeth went on to become an educator, Red Cross worker, wife, mother, grandmother, avid reader, aspiring author, the consummate conversationalist and a real estate professional.

After starting her academic career at Virginia Intermont College, she graduated magna cum laude from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1939, attaining a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in English and French.

She ultimately graduated with a master of arts degree in English from the University of Kentucky in 1952.

A life-long, active member of First Baptist Church in Winchester, Elizabeth Ann was also involved in several valuable communities and social networks including Colonial Dames, Fortnightly (70 plus years), Women’s Club of Central KY, Study Club, Bowl N’ Blossom and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Elizabeth Ann married Asa R. Sphar II in Winchester on Feb. 7, 1948, and they had two children, Lloyd Anne Sphar Barker and Asa R. Sphar III; three grandchildren, Chrissy Sphar Vander Hook, Bethany Sphar and M. Nelson Caudill Jr.; and two great-grandchildren, Davis Caudill and Eva Caudill.

She currently resides at The Home Place at Midway in Midway, Kentucky.