Edna Ruth Parker (née Scott)[1] (April 20, 1893 – November 26, 2008) was an American supercentenarian who, for 15 months, was recognized as the oldest person in the world.

[9] While Parker's 100th birthday was celebrated by her family and recognised in the local newspaper,[10] by the time she reached 109, the occasion was noted state-wide.

[16] On April 21, 2007, she met with Bertha Fry of Muncie, who was 113 at the time,[17] which set the highest combined age (227 years 142 days) for a meeting of two supercentenarians; both were awarded certificates in person by a representative of Guinness World Records.

[19] Parker reportedly did not offer an explanation for her long life, and simply advised questioners that the most important thing was "more education".

One hundred fifteen multicolored balloons were released at each, because Parker enjoyed watching them float into the sky.