All eyes were on Jane Jones as the Luther Crest resident propped herself up in her wheelchair as music played at her birthday celebration July 11.

Then, the 105-year-old did something that may have been a surprise to those who do not know her, but is typical Jane – she began to dance.

"I can't walk, so I have to make believe and I sit on the chair and move my legs," Jane said.

She may not be able to walk, but Jane has never lost her rhythm or her passion for life.

Her rousing dance routine delighted a packed auditorium full of family and friends at Luther Crest, South Whitehall.

Jane, who previously lived in Slatington, has resided at the retirement community for 13 years.

Luther Crest Activities Director Jen Laury and her crew set up the celebration to honor Jane, who celebrated her big day July 13.

At the start of the event, several speakers took a few minutes to present a certificate, flowers and well-wishes Jane.

They included Jacob Brown, constituent outreach specialist for state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-134th, Marge Kunkel, a member of the Red Hat Ladies at Luther Crest, and two members of Jane's home church, Lois Eisenhard and Pastor Donna Deal.

Afterward, performer Steve Barth of Reading led the room in a rendition of "Happy Birthday" before cake and refreshments were served.

Barth sang throughout the event, as music has been a constant in Jane's life.

One of 14 siblings, the daughter of John and Ellen Griffiths, Jane recalled quite vividly wherever her family went, they were able to form a choir by themselves.

Her family attended Welsh Presbyterian Church, Slatington, and as Jones said, "They prayed together; sang together and did everything together."

Her roots in the church led her to The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Allentown, where she sang in the choir with one of her sisters, Claude Noll.

Her background in the church is evident in more than just the way she still sings hymns by heart.

"She has a very powerful view of the saying 'life is good' and she always has a way of living up to the good," Deal said. "She's such a testament to the power of faith and optimism."

Deal has been so impressed with Jane as a person she makes it a point to bring the church youth to visit so they can learn from her.

The centenarian's remarkable sense of humor is an added bonus.

As Jane saw the packed room of people who came to celebrate her birthday, she seemed taken aback for a brief moment before recovering her wits.

"It feels wonderful," the 105-year-old said. "Only, it doesn't give me a chance to eat my cake."

This sharp wit, combined with an enthusiasm for life and optimistic spirit, has endeared Jane to many who have come to know her.

Eisenhard, who has known Jane for more than 50 years due to the friendship formed at Redeemer, recalled the day Jsne arrived at Luther Crest. Eisenhard previously worked at the center for around 17 years before retiring.

"The day she moved in, there was a dance that night," Eisenhard said. "Did she stay in her apartment? Absolutely not.

"She came down to dance."

As she clearly demonstrated, even at 105, Jane continues to dance.

(See related story and photo on page A15.)