Mrs Wills turned 100 last Friday surrounded by family and friends at the RFBI Dubbo Masonic Retirement Village.

Mrs Wills said she was determined to enjoy her big day.

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“I feel pretty good about turning 100,” she said 

“I have lived a life filled with love, I’ve enjoyed the love of my eight children and my late husband John and I loved riding horses when I was younger.

“I have many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, I am happy.”

When asked what the secret to becoming a centenarian was, Phillis, did not hesitate to name clean living as a significant factor.

“I have never had an alcoholic drink, nor smoked and I never saw the bad in anyone, I always found the good, I think that is the secret to living a long life,” she said.

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Daughter Sheila Day said her mum is a country lady who values family above all else.

“Nothing has given mum more joy than being a grandmother to 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren,” she said.

“She was an exceptional mother; nothing was ever too much trouble for her where her children were concerned.”

Phillis also displayed bravery when needed.

“Mum was awarded a medal and a certificate for bravery from the government after rescuing her neighbour,” Mrs Day said.

“She climbed a fence and had to climb up into a window to help her neighbour who had broken her hip.”

Mrs Day said she marvels at her mother’s full life.

“She is still in reasonably good health which I would say was due to living a busy life,” she said.

“She was terrific at pottery and she excelled at cake decorating.

“She worked as a cleaner at the Warren Central School and then when she retired she took on a lot of voluntary work, she was a 30-year member of the Warren Hospital Auxiliary.

“She’s done a lot in her life and we love her dearly.”