Centenarian writes letter to schedule first-ever facial

The envelope addressed to Genesis Skin Care in Kennewick contained an unusual request.

It wasn't so much Mary Ann Keller's desire for help with dry skin, but the fact that she had written a letter to ask for an appointment.

"I've gotten thank you cards, but never a letter," said salon owner Lori Johns.

But Keller, 100, doesn't talk on the phone because it's hard for her to hear.

So when the Kennewick woman saw the sign for skin care near her dentist's office, she wrote a letter instead.

And on New Year's Eve, Keller received her first-ever facial, complete with orange blossom cleanser, an exfoliation and a seaweed mask.

As Keller relaxed to soft music, her face soaking in nutrients from the green mask, Johns massaged lotion into her hands.

"This is my first 100-year-old client. The oldest I've had is 85," Johns said as she washed Keller's face.

Johns was so tickled by Keller's letter she decided to call the Herald with the story.

And Keller and Johns happened to meet last weekend when the centenarian was near the salon and called out to the salon owner.

Johns gave Keller a card and Wednesday morning, Keller, who will be 101 on Jan. 29, spent about an hour getting pampered.

The facial wasn't quite what Keller had expected -- she'd hoped to get rid of some dry spots on her face -- but she was impressed with Johns' work.

"She did a wonderful job," Keller said as she touched her cheek. "My face feels good."

The mother of five credits the long life she's lived to her faith and happy disposition.

"It's really a (unique) thing to be 100," said Keller, who's lived in the Tri-Cities 66 years. "I'm a happy woman."

That's clear by her ever-present smile and twinkling eyes -- now complimented by glowing skin.