MONTAGUE — If you ask 102-year-old Maxine Davis what’s the secret to long life, she’ll tell you it’s the corn in Iowa where she grew up.

“Tell this to everybody,” Davis said. “It’s the tall, green corn in Iowa that I lay my good health to.”

The Iowa native moved to western Massachusetts at the age of 19 to get married. However, Davis raised her six daughters as a single mother for the majority of her life. She would often return to Iowa during the summer to visit.

Davis was honored by town officials on Saturday, Sept. 14, as Montague’s oldest resident. Both Selectboard Chair Rich Kuklewicz and Clerk Chris Boutwell joined Davis in her apartment for the ceremony where they promised her they’d come back to see her for another birthday.

Davis shared that she is surprised to have lived to 102. She said being an independent person has been helpful for her, and that her self-reliance has helped her get this far.

“I’ve been able to keep myself going. Not having to depend on too many people, that’s a big thing for me,” Davis said.

Aside from a sprained ankle, Davis said she has never been seriously injured, and that’s another reason she has lived to be Montague’s oldest resident. As for advice to others wishing to live a long life, Davis said, “Just stick with it. Hang right in there.”

Davis shared that she likes to spend time with her family, including “about 40 great-grandchildren [and] 10 great-great-grandchildren.” Although Davis can no longer drive herself, she enjoys taking bus trips to the casino to play the slot machines.

Additionally, Davis likes to watch baseball. She is a Red Sox fan and she watches every Red Sox game. Last year, she was even able to attend a Red Sox game with her grandson, who shares her passion.

“I enjoy getting together with my family,” Davis said. “They are real good to me.”

She plans to celebrate her 103rd birthday on Oct. 5 with a large family party. In the meantime, Davis said she is enjoying her life.

“I think all that I can say is I am so glad I’m here.”

Erin-Leigh Hoffman contributed reporting.