Valentine's Day is fast approaching and love is in the air.  Meet this charming couple, now living and loving it at the Commons Assisted and Independent Living Communitiy. 

Oh, those World War II romances.  Beautiful young woman, Mary, meets handsome young sailor, Hale, stationed in her home town-- of Grand Junction?

“I was told that I was going to go to Grand Junction, Colorado and of course, I thought being in the Navy, I’d be going down to southern California," explained Hale Luff. 

The story goes: Mary, a Palisade school teacher was warned by dad after reading a Daily Sentinel article on sailors coming to the area. 

“And I says, ‘oh, really, dad?’ And he said, ‘yes, and I don’t want you to look at them'," said Mary.

"(There was) an introduction to  the flyers down at Le Court Hotel and I was invited to be one of the  hostesses.  And, so, I went and I met him," said Mary.

While orders sent Hale away, his heart stayed with Mary.  After the war, like thousands of returning servicemen, Hale needed a job and he also needed Mary.  Next, a serious talk with dad followed by a wedding.  Mary told her father of the engagement.

“The first thing my father said was to me, he said, ‘can he afford your bills?’” she laughed. 

His father in law offered Hale an opportunity that turned into a lifetime career.

“I was down at the warehouse and at that time, City Market was expanding and putting stores in different towns,” said Hale.

And what did Mary do?

“We had one son.  But it was a few years after we got married, we decided to have a family.  I wanted to make sure I could handle the situation and give up my teaching career and become a mother.”

I think their wonderful sense of humor, along with what they saw in each other makes has made for a long and happy marriage.

How about their advice for young couples today?

“Something comes up that you both don’t agree, just take it in your stride and don’t—“ Mary began.

“Don’t make it a major crime out of it," Hale finished.

Valentines Day, is it special for them?

“There’s a twinkle in our eyes for each other still," said Mary.

As these two sweethearts look forward to the next Valentine’s day, thanks to them for showing us that true love really does last. 

Together and happy for almost seventy years and still in love.  That's a real Valentine's Day story. 

The Commons, Assisted and Independent Living Community – www.thecommonsgj.org or call 243-3333 – Located at: 625 27 1/2 Road, Grand Junction