Great-grandmother dies at the age of 104

One of Shropshire's oldest residents, who had family links to the Appleby's Cheese dynasty has died peacefully, just three days before her 105th birthday.

Jane Adelaide Davies had been unwell for 10 days before passing away yesterday at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Today she was described as a loving mother to three daughters and a greatly-treasured grandma to her six grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Her daughter, Christine Appleby, the second generation of the famous Appleby's Cheese family, described her mother as a strong and dignified lady whose passions were family and farming.

Mrs Appleby said: "My mother, Jane Davies, died peacefully in her sleep yesterday, just three days before her 105th birthday. She was a very strong lady who had great dignity and integrity.

"She was always very smart, always presented herself elegantly and she was much loved. She was a pillar of the farming community."

Mrs Davies was brought up at Trewylan Dairy at Lllansantfraid and at the age of three she moved with her family to Rhos Farm at Llandrinio. She was the sixth child in a family of 12.

Mrs Appleby said: "My mother's father died when she was 14 and her eldest brother, Tom, took on the farming business with their mother.

"All 12 siblings were involved in farming throughout their working lives. My mother's role, until she got married in 1942, was helping in the home and housekeeping for her farming brothers."

Mrs Appleby added that her mother married the Arkie Davies, and they lived at Upper Eyton, Alberbury, before moving to Upper Wigmore, Halfway House, between Welshpool and Shrewsbury.

She celebrated her 100th birthday with a party, attended by three of her long-lived sisters and other family members.

Mrs Appleby said: "Jane was a loving mother to three daughters – myself, Helen and Rosemary. She was a greatly treasured grandma and great grandma.

"She moved into a nursing home three years ago and became poorly 10 days ago.

"She was affectionately known by many as Auntie Jinny. Her long and happy life was filled with family, friends and farming."