The longest-married couple tells all
FOREVER YOURS is the sentiment behind every wedding vow. And they're the words that have guided one of the very-longest-wedded couples in our land. Lee Cowan has their story:
Behind every great man is a greater woman, so the saying goes. But these days, it's Dale who's the engine behind Alice's wheelchair.
The Rockeys are each 99 years old. They met, as kids, just after the turn of the last century, in the small town of Hemingford, Nebraska.
"I didn't pay much attention to him, really."
Did he pay attention to her? "Not especially," replied Dale.
But by the time high school rolled around -- Dale looking suave, and Alice the picture of loveliness -- things had changed a bit.
So, what did they do on their first date?
"Went out on the hill and parked and looked at the town," said Alice.
"You went and parked on your first date?" Cowan asked.
"Oh, yes!" she laughed.
Alice was a good Catholic girl, so no kissing-and-telling here. Suffice it to say that, as soon as Dale turned 18, he popped the question.
How did he propose? "I asked her if she had any money!" he laughed.
They were married December 29th, 1933 -- a Friday to be exact.
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were appearing in their first movie together. FDR was in his first term as President, and Prohibition was just winding down.
Cowan asked, "Had Prohibition been repealed in time for you guys to go buy a bottle of champagne somewhere?"
"We couldn't afford that!" she laughed.
"Maybe a bottle of pop!" Dale added.
By 1958. Dale and Alice were already toasting 25 years together. They were still laughing after 40 years, in 1973.
"Pretty good looking couple," he said, looking at photos.
They've now made it 81 years, married longer than any couple they know.
So, is there a secret to how they've stayed together so long?
"Uh huh," said Alice. "I've always let him have my way!"
It's such an achievement, the faith-based group Worldwide Marriage Encounter crowned the Rockeys the Longest Married Couple of 2015.
The Rockeys were picked from nearly 400 married couples, most nominated by friends and family.
Dick and Diane Baumbach thought their marriage of 48 years was long, until they founded the Longest Marriage Project five years ago.
"When we say 83 years, 79 years, we thought, 'Wow!'" Dick said.
They don't claim the honor is official, but they hope couples like Dale and Alice serve as a reminder of what a lifelong commitment can look like.
"Is there a common thread that runs through marriages that last seven, eight decades?" asked Cowan.
Yes, said the Baumbachs. "They do things together, enjoying things together, by compromising, and having patience with each other."
Dale and Alice have five sons, including Tom, now 76.
Tom and his wife, Sandy (they've been married 50 years, by the way), visit Dale & Alice at a skilled care facility outside Kansas City.
Alice's health demanded she come here. But Dale didn't have to. He got himself admitted because being together turned out to be the best medicine of all.
"Once Dale came and got moved in, not only [Alice's] spirits, but her health just improved," said Sandy Rockey. "I mean, they need to be together."
And maybe in the end, that need for another person is the real secret of wedded bliss.
After 81 years, Dale & Alice don't want for much, except more time -- hand in hand.
"What a wonderful ride we've had," said Dale
"It does sound like a long time, doesn't it?" Alice said.
"Yeah, well, it has been!" Dale said, patting her hand. "A good long time."
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