Crowning Achievement

What started as a birthday celebration ended as a dream come true after Marilyn O'Connell of Phoenix was crowned Ms. Senior Arizona 2008.

The mother of four, grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of 14 decided to join the panel of contestants to commemorate her 80th birthday.

"This absolutely is a dream come true," she said, moments after being crowned the 19th Ms. Senior Arizona. "I just wanted to celebrate my birthday, what better way is there?"

Some contestants may be asking to see O'Connell's birth certificate after this performance.

She not only walked away with the crown, but was the recipient of the Top Talent Award for her rendition of "All that Jazz."

It was all part of her dream.

"I have always dreamed of singing in a venue like the (Maricopa County Events Center)," O'Connell said.

When asked to give her philosophy on life, O'Connell didn't hesitate.

"I am responsible for my happiness and my health," she said.

She proved it Saturday night.

First runner-up was Suzi Killman of Wickenburg. She was also presented the award for Most Engaging Philosophy.

"Life is what you make of it," she said "It isn't always easy. Can't never did anything, so you can cast that worthless word aside."

None of these women ever let the word can't dominate.

Rita Ann Battram, 80, of Sun City West is belly dance instructor from Sun City West. She wasn't afraid to show off her skills on stage.

Judith Blair, a 60-year-old from Tucson donated a kidney and ran in the Senior Olympics only weeks later, taking home gold medals in the process.

Kathleen Provence of Prescott Valley is a 14-year cancer survivor and Brenda Warren of Phoenix overcame a hearing impairment to sing and dance on stage.

Each of the women had their own story and can act as an inspiration for others.

O'Connell will get that chance. She will spend the next year traveling the state and spreading her message.

As winner she will travel to Nashville for an opportunity to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. She will also represent the state as a  contestant in the Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City.

Besides Battram, three other local contestants made a good showing at the pageant.

Phyllis Ranzinger of Sun City Grand in Surprise was second runner-up. Sun City's Margie Ulrich was third runner-up and was also given the title of Most Moxie. Linda Haaheim nearly brought the house down with her rendition of Harold Arlen's "Get Happy."

Other's receiving awards were, Blair - Most Photogenic, Jane Gilmer - Ms. Congeniality, former Playboy Bunny and fourth runner-up Bobbie Walters - Thelma Award for excellence, and Wanda Smith - Most Motivational.