Democratic National Convention's oldest delegate is full of Buckeye pride

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - There are 6,000 delegates at the Democratic National Convention. They come from all corners of the country, from all walks of life.  

One of the more colorful characters and one that many would probably argue is the sweetest as well, is from Ohio.

Ruby Gilliam knows a thing or two about conventions and is thrilled to be in Charlotte.  

"Just as exciting as the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth. I mean, it's great. It's fantastic," she said. Gilliam is attending her seventh convention.  

She's the oldest delegate at the convention, but the soon-to-be-90-year-old said her age is only a number.

"I never think I'm older than 35. I think attitude has a lot to do with it,"  she said, while attending the Ohio delegation breakfast.

Gilliam is the youngest of eight children and was born into a political family. She has been the Carroll County Democratic Party Chairwoman for 25 years. Politics is in her blood.  

"I remember sitting on my dad's shoulders and going to all those rallies for Franklin D. Roosevelt and passing out literature for him and my brothers, " she said.

Gilliam is a World War II veteran. She joined the Navy Waves shortly after her husband died overseas.

"That was the proudest moment of my life when I put that uniform on. It still brings tears, still brings tears," she said.

The woman, who is known to wear crazy hats during convention,s said she has no plans to slow down.  

"I was just at my sister's 100th birthday, so I'm looking forward to my 100th birthday,"  she boasted.

Gilliam has personally met three presidents and said they all have been very kind to her.