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The Connatser siblings gathered in West Millers Cove recently to celebrate a milestone -- the 94th birthday of Ernest Connatser.

Later this month, they will celebrate again as sister Ola Mae Self will ring up birthday No. 92. And when January rolls around brother Roy Connatser turns 90, putting all of them in their ninth decade.

They were all born in Sevier County to the late Florence and O.W. Connatser but moved to Blount County later on. Both Roy and Ernest are veterans of World War II, and Roy was also a prisoner of war. They have six half siblings who are still living and two deceased full siblings.

The birthday gathering was held at the home of Ernest's daughter, Jan Bible. A host of family members attended to wish Ernest a happy birthday as they shared cake and ice cream and special memories.

Ernest retired from ALCOA Inc. with 42 years of service and resides in Maryville with his wife, Reona. They have been married for 66 years and met at church in Calderwood. They have three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

As each of the siblings talked about their longevity, they all agreed that the family has indeed been blessed. Bible said she believes her father's clean living has contributed to his long life. He has never spoken an ill word against anyone, she said.

Ernest looked over his cards, passed them around and had to laugh at one, which featured a man with his feet up.

"That ain't me," he told the others, and they had to agree. Ernest still does yard work and keeps busy with other chores and hobbies.

He is definitely an outdoors kind of guy, Bible said. He loves to plant flowers in his yard, rake leaves and even mow the grass. He is an active member at his church, Pleasant Grove.

"I never knew what busy was until I retired," he quipped. He said he has been working at one job or another since he was 7.

They only have a couple of weeks before the next big milestone. Ola Mae's birthday is Nov. 21.