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A Very Special Birthday

April 21, 2026
Ella Birthday

Some birthdays are extra special, and Ella Darby’s certainly tops the list.

The World War II U.S. Navy veteran from Murrieta, California, celebrated her 105th birthday last Saturday, and she did it with joy, style, and SKIPPY® peanut butter.

Ella captured hearts nationwide earlier this year after appearing in a viral Instagram video that reached more than 13 million viewers. When asked her secret to staying young and beautiful, Ella shared two simple words. SKIPPY® peanut butter. The moment followed a feel good Today.com story that highlighted Ella’s refreshing outlook on life and the small joys that matter most.

Ella’s Advice

Do what you love. Keep moving. Appreciate the little things, including a daily spoonful of SKIPPY® peanut butter.

Ella’s life story is as remarkable as her milestone birthday. She served as a Navy storekeeper during World War II, met her husband while enlisted, and went on to raise a large, multigenerational family. Over the years, she also worked as a bus driver, collected teddy bears, and never lost her love of dance.

When it came time to celebrate turning 105, Ella knew exactly what she wanted. A hip hop themed party, surrounded by loved ones, with plenty of SKIPPY® peanut butter on hand. To help make the occasion even more memorable, the team responsible for the SKIPPY® brand donated 105 cases of peanut butter to the Circle of Ministries Food Pantry near her hometown. The celebration also included custom T‑shirts, a life sized teddy bear, and of course, cake.

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