Ask Nellie Ramey how long she has volunteered at the Ironton City Mission and she will just smile.

"I can't remember," she said. "But I started with the Green Thumb Program."

That was several years ago and she is still there, volunteering at least one day a week, sometimes more if her health permits.

Ironton City Mission Director, the Rev. James Cremeans, can't remember how long Ramey has volunteered at the mission, either, but he easily recounted her contribution.

"She's a blessing," he said. "She helps us sort clothes and helps in the kitchen. She's very friendly, very caring."

His wife, Mary Cremeans, agreed. "She helps with Thanksgiving dinner and she stays and helps us clean up. She's a great lady."

Ramey said it is the love of people that brings her back week after week, year after year. "The people are so nice here. I love the Cremeans. They're such good people. And I just like helping people," she said.

Saturday, some of the people whose lives she has touched over the years turned the tables on Ramey. They surprised her with an 80th birthday party - the first birthday party anyone has ever given for her.

"She's a thoughtful, caring person, the type that likes to help other people," said Patsy Harris, of Columbus, one of Ramey's two daughters. Harris' sister, Shirley Lott, also of Columbus, described her mother as someone who is always ready with a helping hand and a ready smile.

"Everyone should have a mom like her," Lott said.