In this day and age, it is becoming more and more uncommon to hear about marriages that last. But, for Edward and Charlene Ross this February 25th will mark their 75th wedding anniversary.
If a new couple were to look at statistics online they would find that the national average length of marriage in the US is only about eight years. Furthermore, only seven percent of currently married people have been married for at least 50 years. However, love stories like that of Edward and Charlene provide hope that with respect, patience and communication relationships can withstand even the toughest life challenges.
The couple met at a blind date in 1942 at a kid’s high school hangout called the Dresden Jewel. In those days Jefferson High School, which Edward attended (class of 1943), and Frazeysburg-Nashport High School, Charlene’s school (class of 1944) were big rivals. Of course, this was 24 years before the 1966 merger combining both schools and Adamsville High.
When it came to socializing it was common for boys and girls from the nearby schools to hangout together regardless of their rivalry during sporting events.
On February 25, 1945, the two were wed. Edward’s brother was the best man so they had to wait for him to go on furlough to have the wedding. The service was performed at the Frazeysburg Presbyterian Church. Their unity was celebrated with loved ones at a reception held at Charlene’s parents’ home.
“We’ve been very blessed with a happy healthy family,” stated Charlene.
Edward and Charlene made Adams Mills their home for 40 years and raised their three boys, Jim, Donald, and Charles there. They moved to Coshocton for a few years and then came back to Adams Mills where they have been residing for the past 14 years. The couple has a total of 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Edward was always a hard worker and did not retire until he was 80 years old. He and Charlene ran a dairy farm soon after being married. Some of their fondest memories involved working the farm. “We used to herd cows across 16 (State Route 16),” Charlene said with a smile. Edward, his brother and their mother started Ross Brother’s Trucking, located off of State Route 16 in Adams Mills in 1955. In 1980 the couple founded Apache Aggregate and Paving in Coshocton.
In their down-time, Edward and Charlene enjoyed traveling. They had a vacation home in Florida for about 20 years.
Not only will the couple be celebrating their 75th anniversary this month, but Edward will also be turning 95 on February 16. Charlene’s birthday will be later this year on August 11. She will be 94.
Charlene accredits their long happy marriage to how easy Edward is to get along with. Edward added, “It takes two to argue. One guy arguing by himself does not get very far.”
