Graduates in the Class of 2008 weren't the only ones marking a milestone event in June.

Six lovely ladies from the Class of 1918 collectively celebrated their 90th birthdays during a banquet June 10 at Angelo's Restaurant in Burien.

They belong to a club made up of women--all born in 1918.

In April 1960, John Marks of West Newton, Pa. and Aura Jane Vannoy of Houston, who were born in 1918, decided to start a friendship club. The motto was "Friends Now, Friends We Be, Friends Through Eternity."

The club started slowly, but grew to national proportions.

Conventions were held in designated cities each year where those born in 1918 shared experiences and topics of interest.

Eda Anthony is president of the Burien chapter.

She enjoyed several conventions in the past. Unfortunately, the national club is no longer intact.

However, small groups still exist and Burien has one of them.

The ladies meet the second Tuesday of the month at 11 a.m. at a designated restaurant, have lunch, and enjoy visiting with their friends, friends, and family.

Eda Anthony put her heart into preparing for the special 90th birthday event, but fell ill.

Her sister, Ellen Andrews, offered to take over and added some finishing touches. She got help from Sarah and Ben Walsh from Florida, Eda's granddaughter and grandson in-law, who photographed the event. Also pitching in was Eda and Ellen's brother, Bill Kruller.

Celebrating their 90th birthdays were Mabel Wildes, Ruth Paull, Ruth McMullen, Lyla Steran, Delma Evens and Ruth Hadley.

Besides Edna, other club members not able to attend were Frida Berry, Maxine Allen, Mary Helen Tarbox, Billie Leago and Harret Mack.