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March 28, 2024 6:11 am
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Moapa Valley Pioneer Celebrates 100th Birthday

By JESSICA ROBISON

Moapa Valley Progress

Moapa Valley pioneer Josephine Robison Walsh (seated) celebrated her 100th birthday last week. She is pictured with her four children l to r Wandanell Hopkins, Susannah Merry, Dan Walsh and Jack Walsh. PHOTO BY JESSICA ROBISON/Moapa Valley Progress.
Moapa Valley pioneer Josephine Robison Walsh (seated) celebrated her 100th birthday last week. She is pictured with her four children l to r Wandanell Hopkins, Susannah Merry, Dan Walsh and Jack Walsh. PHOTO BY JESSICA ROBISON/Moapa Valley Progress.

About a hundred people gathered in the Hurricane Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hurricane, Utah on Saturday to celebrate an important day. Moapa Valley pioneer Josephine Robison Walsh was celebrating her 100th birthday. Many friends and family gathered to celebrate Walsh’s long and distinguished life.
Walsh is one of the last of her generation. She was born in Logandale, Nevada on April 25, 1916 to Joseph and Nellie Hinckley Robison.

When Josephine was a baby, she, with her mother and siblings, were travelling to join her father in Jarbidge when they narrowly avoided a tragedy that is now known as the last stage coast robbery of the old west.

As a young adult, she met and married Charles Walsh in the St. George temple. Together they had four children: Susannah, Daniel (Dan), Wandanell, and John Joseph (Jack). All four were able to be in attendance for her birthday celebration. She now has 17 grandchildren and more than 20 great grandchildren.
“All of [Josephine’s] children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren are still living,” said Josephine’s son Dan Walsh. “It’s amazing that she made it to 100 and still has all her descendants living.”

Family members were pleased with the turnout to the tribute party.
“This is great!” said daughter, Wandanell Hopkins. “All of her descendants are here except two grandchildren. There are a lot of people here. Lot’s of nieces and nephews.”
As guests arrived, they lined up to greet Josephine. They were offered refreshments catered by Josephine’s son Jack Walsh and his family. Josephine’s grandniece, Annetta Romero prepared a beautiful birthday cake. Jack’s friend, Chad Ostler, served subzero ice cream.

Guests were then encouraged to sit and mingle until everyone arrived. A slideshow played in the background with photos from throughout Josephine’s life. It also played music from the decade she was born as well as the decade she was married.

Once everyone arrived, Jack presented his mother with a certificate that was sent from the governor of Utah. The certificate congratulated Josephine on becoming a member of the Century Club of Utah and included a lapel pin. A representative from the Hurricane city mayor’s office came forward shortly thereafter. He said, “We are really happy to have her in our community. Thank you for sticking around.”
Jack proceeded to say, “Mom and dad were so kind and generous… She is an aunt to many people by blood or marriage but many more chose to call her ‘Aunt Josephine.’ She is a great influence on a lot of people.”

He continued by inviting family and friends to share a few words. Each of her children told stories and shared fond memories, as did some of her nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and more.
“She has been a wonderful mom,” Wandanell told all in attendance. “We are so glad she’s still here.”

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