There’s a lot of history in Louisville, and life-long best friends Rosemary Hardin and Helen Yates have lived through much of it together. The two centenarians grew up playing together in the same apartment complex. Now, at 100 years of age, they are neighbors again at Village Active Lifestyle Community.

Whether reminiscing about going to St. Joe’s Picnic, filling the car with their antique finds or enjoying a box of candy from Muth’s, laughter and genuine friendship fills the air when Helen visits.

“Who would have thought we would have played together as kids in the same apartment building and now we are together again at 100 years old with our rollators,” laughed Rosemary.

Rosemary and Helen grew up in the same apartment complex. Rosemary lived with her parents, brother and grandmother and Helen resided with her grandparents. They both married Masons and raised their kids together.

“We’ve known each other all these years and we have never been mad at each other,” Rosemary said. Then, she asked Helen if she could remember a time they didn’t play together, and Helen shook her head no with a smile.

They shared a common interest of antiquing and went on weekend jaunts around Louisville filling Helen’s Volkswagen to the brim with their finds. They can even remember buying from Louisville’s eclectic antique dealer Joe Ley when he was peddling antiques out of the back of a station wagon.

Their thrifting adventures always included a stop to see Mrs. Muth, founder of Louisville’s iconic Muth’s Candy. “She would say, ‘Here comes the antiquing ladies,’” said Helen. “She even invited us to the back to watch how the candy was made, and we always left with a box.”

Rosemary’s family was looking for a community where she could live her best life and her son-in-law knew someone who’s loved one lived on the campus. They toured the community, and Rosemary moved into independent living.

Soon, Helen came to visit and Rosemary convinced her Masonic Homes Kentucky would also be a great place for her. Helen had lived alone for 20 years, and it wasn’t long until she took Rosemary’s advice and moved to Village, too.

Since moving to Masonic Homes Kentucky, both have celebrated their 100^th birthdays. Helen turned 100 in July and was celebrated with two surprise parties and dinner with family at her restaurant of choice, Texas Roadhouse.

“If I had looked the whole world over, I could not have found a better place to live,” said Rosemary. “I love it here and now Helen is right down the hall.”

 

 

 

August 31, 2026