When the Ironton Lawrence County Community Action Organization began searching for its Senior Citizen of the Year, they realized they had found the "perfect candidate" in Ironton resident Bonnie Rowe.

"When we do not have a piano player, she will play, " said Connie Lake, site manager at the Ironton Senior Center. "Bonnie will bring crafts and show others how to do them. She always talks very encouraging and is always smiling. She is a perfect senior."

The 71-year-old Rowe was recognized Tuesday at the Senior Center in Park Avenue Apartments in front of a crowd of her fellow seniors, all five of her children and two of her six grandchildren.

Rowe could not hide her smile as she accepted the gift and congratulations from her family. She said she "lives for her family" and enjoyed the fact that they were able to be there to share it with her.

Children Jodi Rowe-Collins, Jamie Murphy, Bobby Rowe, Joseph Rowe and Jerri McCloud attended the recognition. Grandchildren Ashley McCloud and Parker Rowe also attended.

"She is well deserved," Rowe-Collins said. "She is a wonderful mother and an inspirational role model for all of us."

Rowe said she truly enjoys her time spent at the senior center. Being able to meet with other seniors and enjoy the activities is really important and helps keep her motivated, she said.

"This is a real surprise and feels great," she said. "But, I am sure there are more here who are a lot more qualified than I."

However, Rowe said she would have had a hard time picking someone for the honor.

"It is so hard to pick," she said. "There are so many good people here that go out of their way to try and make people happy."