I can’t even count the number of people who have told us that “All the Days of my Life” was their favorite part of V6, and as much as we adore every single editorial and real wedding in that issue, I’ll let you in on a little secret: it was one of our favorites too! When we first came up with the idea, we were baffled about where we would find so many couples married for 50+ years. We turned to our friends and Blue Ribbon Vendors for help, and slowly but surely, the most amazing love stories started rolling in. There are epic romances all around us, and with 67 years of marriage under their belts, I think it’s safe to say that Rose Marie and Keith are one of those. We were honored to share their story in V6!
What are your ages? 91 (Keith) and 88 (Rose Marie)
Wedding date: July 27, 1947
Children? Three children and six grandchildren
When did you know that he/she was the one? Keith: I had come back from the war, and knew I had to get settled down. After our first date at a football game, she went home to visit family, and I went to visit. Instead of going back another way, she came back with me…and somewhere along the way, I just knew. We stopped at a park, and I asked her to marry me. She said, “Oh yes!”
What’s your favorite wedding memory? Rose Marie: We were married just the two of us; unfortunately, no family was present. We dated for four months, were engaged for three months, and then Keith’s childhood preacher that had baptized him as a 10-year-old boy married us, and we had dinner at his home afterwards. Dixie, my maid of honor and college friend, was there, as well.
What’s the secret to your marriage? Rose Marie: Compromise–you aren’t always going to get your way! And love! Keith: Love, faith, and patience. My biggest mistakes were when I didn’t talk things over with her–she has great common sense.
What is your favorite thing to do together? Keith: Eat out (but not anymore, with this low-salt diet…) and starting the Presbyterian Night Shelter in Fort Worth in 1984. Rose Marie: Travel–we’ve been to every single state, and several foreign countries. We also taught ballroom dance classes together for 15 years. Our 50th anniversary trip to Hawaii was pretty good, too.
What is your best memory related to Southern food or family? Keith: In 66 years of marriage, I’ve never had a bad meal–Rose Marie’s first job was running a cooking school in Dallas. I love her banana cream pie and coconut cake. Rose Marie: Christmas dinners at my grandmother’s home. My uncle brought a live turkey, and we fattened it up the week before, killed it, dressed it, and cooked it! My job as a young girl was to stir the dressing. Grandma’s table sat 8–10 if we squeezed–so the men would eat first, then we’d wash the dishes and rest the table, then the women, and then the children! Mother’s ambrosia, coconut cake, potato salad, and pecan pie are some of my favorites.
What is your best marriage advice? Keith: Don’t even consider that this is not going to be forever. Rose Marie: If you have problems, see a counselor or some kind of outside perspective that can see both sides. And forgive–not forgiving hurts you more than it hurts them.
i love this. thank you for sharing their story!
This is so sweet! Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in “runnin’ around and wedding nonsense” – as Sally Field said in Steel Magnolias. It is important for couples to remember the bigger picture, they are about to marry their soulmate! Remember what brought you together and focus on the love you have for each other!