West River resident makes bucket list wish come true

LEAD, S.D. – For her 75th birthday, West River native Edyth Warne went parasailing. Now in her 100th year, she celebrated slope-style as part for Ski For Light.

Ski For Light aims to bring the joy of snow sports to visually and physically impaired residents. And for Warne, it’s a birthday milestone she will never forget.

“This is just the best day of my life,” Warne stated.

Warne is 99 years old, and celebrates her 100th birthday this March. She had never been able to ski on her own in the past due to physical disabilities.

And ahead of her milestone celebration, she crossed that very goal off of her bucket list.

“The family has always been involved in snow sports,” her grandson Austin Pearce explained. “And she wanted to get involved as well.”

Her caretaker signed her up with Ski For Light this year and helped make the ride possible. Having heard about her big day, family members came from all over to see it happen. Her very own fan club, as she called them.

Then, when the time finally came, all decked-out in her ski gear, she took to the lift and came flying down the mountain.

Not once, not twice, but three times.

The thrill, she said, is something that will stay with her long after her rides.

“It’s indescribable. I loved every minute of it,” she recalled.

As she cruised down the mountain, Edith Warne is a true example that age really is nothing but a number. When asked about what was next for her, she responded with a big smile on her face.

“To do it again”