America turned 249 on July 4.

Irene Krittenbrink has been around for 100 of those.

As the country celebrated its independence with a national holiday, the Krittenbrink family - dozens and dozens and dozens of them - gathered for a dual celebration.

They congregated on the Krittenbrink farm northwest of Okarche to honor their matriarch, Irene Wolf Krittenbrink.

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Irene was born July 4, 1925, in El Reno.

She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in 1943 and continued her education at the St. Anthony School of Nursing.

It was during that time that Irene also served in the Army Nurse Corps as the United States became a part of World War II.

By the time Irene graduated from nursing school in November 1946, the war had ended.

She worked as a nurse for more than a year before marrying Bernard Krittenbrink on Aug. 12, 1948.

“Then,” as one of her sons, Dave Krittenbrink put it, “she had nine kids and didn’t work as a nurse anymore.”

Born to Irene and Bernard were Steve, Ron, Mike, Ricky, Dave, Patty, Jerry, Janet and Ed.

Irene still lives in the home in which she raised her children.

Eventually the family grew… then some more….then some more.

Irene now has 16 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

To many of them, she’s known as Granny K.

“I grew up next door to her in the country most of my childhood,” said Amy Dyer, one of those grandchildren, in a Facebook post. “I have such wonderful memories and am so thankful my three girls have such a sweet relationship with her as well.”

Added Steph Snider, another granddaughter, in a social media post: “What a grand day of celebrating Granny K turning 100. So much fun on the farm enjoying all the traditions and simple things with family and friends.”

The family and friends visiting Irene that day basically matched her age.

Among the visitors was Father Zak Boazman of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, who started the celebration with a prayer.

Visitors also included Larry Heald, commander of the American Legion Post 34 in El Reno.

He presented Irene with a citation from the American Legion honoring her 100th birthday as well as her time in the ANC.

State Senators Darcy Jech and Randy Grellner as well as Representative Mike Dobrinski also signed a “Citation of Congratulations” that was presented to Irene for turning 100.

Leading up to her birthday, Irene’s family asked potential well-wishers to send her a birthday card to help celebrate her big day.

“I don’t know how many cards she got,” Dave said. “I know my sisters have opened at least 100 and read them to her and I’d say they still have that many more to get to.”

Such acts have been nearly unending.

“I just know the entire family is so appreciative for the many acts of kindness in the forms of visits, flowers, gifts, tributes and many, many cards,” said Dr. Juanita Krittenbrink, one of Irene’s daughters-in-law. “It was a wonderful, unforgettable day.”