Southern Illinois woman celebrates 101st birthday at Taco Bell

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - A Southern Illinois woman celebrated her 101st birthday at her favorite spot, her local Taco Bell.

Ruth Parker says she moved back to Southern Illinois from Florida around 18 years ago. When she did, she needed a new place to drink coffee and read her newspaper at and she found her new spot in an unlikely place, a Taco Bell.

"We celebrate every birthday here," Ruth said, "I feel alright for being 101, I guess."

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No, Taco Bell doesn't serve coffee but when she asked for a cup they made her one. "They were just so nice to me that I've been coming back ever since," said Ruth.

She says she goes to the Carbondale Taco Bell every Tuesday and Friday and sometimes even more.

Store Manager, Rebecca Gefro says she was there when Miss Ruth came in for the first time. She and most employees still make time to see her whenever she comes in.

"No matter what, we all know Miss Ruth and we all make her a part of our lives and talk to her," she said, "We just love her to death."

After visiting her favorite Taco Bell for the last 18 years, Parker says she's had pretty much everything on the menu, but her favorite right now is the Nacho Fries which she calls taco fries.

Gefro and the rest of the staff are already looking forward to Miss Ruth's 102nd birthday next year.

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