The fact that Beatrice Oakes is humble didn't stop the Mercer County Division of the American Heart Association from honoring her.

The Hermitage woman is this year's honoree for the Mercer County Heart Walk.

"I tried to talk them out of it. I felt there probably would be someone more deserving of it (the honor)," Mrs. Oakes said.

Diane O'Brien of the American Heart Association wasn't about to be talked out of anything.

"She's an example of someone who does an amount of good community service," Mrs. O'Brien said. At the age of 83, Mrs. Oakes has overcome heart disease and raises at least $500 for the Heart Walk each year.

"Why not honor somebody who has these attributes?" Mrs. O'Brien said.

Mrs. Oakes said she got involved with the American Heart Association five years ago after she had heart problems. She said her parents, all five of her brothers and her husband died from heart-related diseases, and her sisters both suffered from heart disease.