Agnes Crates, life-long Ada resident, thought she was going to present the invocation at Monday’s Town and Gown Banquet.

WATCH THE VIDEO OF HER ACCEPTANCE SPEECH AT BOTTOM OF THIS STORY.

She did deliver it, but unknown to her, the community had bigger plans. Mrs. Crates was bestowed the honor of 2013 Ada citizen of year during the banquet.

She joins an impressive list of Ada residents who have received this honor over the past 48 years.

Mrs. Crates was born on Sept. 23, 1913, in Forest. She married Ralph Crates when she was almost 17 and they moved to his home in Ada. While Ralph died in 1948, Agnes continues to live in the same home 83 years later.

The couple had three children, Jerry of Lima Suzie Sutherland of Kenton. A son, Jim (Tater) Crates, is deceased.

Mrs. Crates attends many functions at the Hardin County Council on Aging in Kenton as well as senior citizen activities at the Community Health Professionals in Ada.  When called upon to offer prayers at various events, she quotes scripture that she has memorized throughout her life. She continues to be active in the Grace Gospel Church in Ada.