GREENVILLE, Ohio -- My parting words when I left the home of Harvey and Sylvia Utz on Main Street in Arcanum was, "I will see you on your 75th wedding anniversary." Under my breath I thought that chances of that "are slim to none."

I had just finished video taping a story on their 70th wedding anniversary that morning. It was June 15, 1988.

Five years later the couple celebrated their 75th anniversary, then their 80th, and then 83rd. About six months later, at the age of 103, Harley Utz passed away.

I had visited with Sylvia on several occasions after Harley's death at the Brethren Retirement Community in Greenville and even at the Darke County Fair a few years ago as she was honored as the oldest visitor on Senior Citizens' Day.

My last visit was on Sylvia's 110th birthday, March 9 of this year. Again, with my camera on my shoulder, Sylvia still had a very sharp mind as we talked about past stories. She attributed her longevity to neither smoking nor drinking alcohol and working hard at everything she did.

I brought flowers to her on her 83rd wedding anniversary and sent a flower arrangement to her on her 110th birthday.

Sylvia taught me a valuable lesson to never smirk under your breath, "What's the chance of that happening?" Chances are pretty good! Thanks Sylvia...you will be missed.