ROSEVILLE, California — Most people turning 100 would be happy with a cake and a party. Ruby McNally wanted the sky.
On Thursday, the Roseville great-grandmother strapped into a harness, boarded a plane, and jumped out of it — tandem skydiving over the city of Davis to mark her 100th birthday.
“If you slow down, life is over,” McNally said. “So you just keep on keeping on and enjoying life.”
A Birthday Tradition Like No Other
This was not McNally’s first jump. Not even close.
She has made skydiving a personal tradition, taking her first leap at 80, then again at 90. Turning 100 was never going to be any different.
When asked if she was scared before takeoff, she did not hesitate.
“Why would you be scared? There’s nothing to be scared of,” she said.
Her instructor at Skydance Skydiving, Chris Peterson, served as her tandem partner. McNally’s instructions to him before boarding were simple and straight to the point.
“Let’s go, let’s do it!”
A Promise Kept 10 Years Later
Joining McNally in the jump was her longtime neighbor Rick Kelly — a man who had jumped with her on her 90th birthday and made a promise that day.
If they were both still around in another decade, he would do it again.
“And so here we are today,” Kelly said.
Five other friends and family members also took the leap alongside her.
Family Waited Below, Cheering Her Down
On the ground, McNally’s family watched the sky and held their breath.
When she came into view, the cheers started immediately.
“Go, Ruby!” they shouted as she landed.
McNally says her children tease her about her lifestyle — and she has zero interest in changing it.
“My kids keep saying, ‘Why don’t you act your age?'” she said. “That’s no fun. It keeps life exciting. And that’s what keeps you going. If you’re sitting in a chair, life is over.”
She Is Already Thinking About What Comes Next
After touching down safely, McNally was not looking back.
She said she hopes this jump will not be her last adventure — and she is leaving the door wide open for whatever comes next.
“If God keeps me going, then we’ll just talk about it later,” she said. “I’m not giving up yet.”
For her granddaughter watching from below, the moment carried a lesson bigger than any birthday.
“May we all be like you, if we are so lucky and blessed,” she said.
Do you know someone who lives life this fearlessly? Tell us about them in the comments — stories like Ruby’s deserve to be shared.