At 115 and counting, Edie Ceccarelli of Willits keeps racking up honors for the ages

Edie Ceccarelli of Willits keeps setting fantastic records, simply by waking each morning, eating, breathing and looking about at the world into which she was born in 1908.

At age 115, Edie is officially the oldest person in America, the third oldest on Earth. And just days ago, she established a new record as the oldest confirmed Californian — ever.

That distinction was held by Christian Mortensen, who died in San Rafael in 1998 at the age of 115 years and 252 days.

As of Saturday, Edie will be 115 years and 265 days old.

She lives in a small care home in Willits, her birthplace. Though her memory and awareness have largely slipped away, she enjoys her meals and being nicely dressed and groomed.

On Thursday, researchers with the Los Angeles-based Gerontology Research Group, Natalie Coles and Robert Young, visited Edie. They drew blood for a bio-bank that researchers hope will reveal insights into why a relative few people live to 110 and beyond — and to assist in advancements to allow others to live and remain vital longer.