Elmhurst mayor leads Valentine's Day vow renewal ceremony at Roosevelt at Salt Creek
On Valentine’s Day, The Roosevelt at Salt Creek senior living community in Elmhurst hosted a heartwarming vow renewal ceremony with Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin officiating the event, bringing an added touch of prestige and honor to the occasion.
The Feb. 14 event was a success, filled with touching moments. Gathered were 12 couples whose love stories collectively embody over 725 years of devotion. Ranging in age from 80 to 90 years old, they are living testaments to the enduring power of love.
Residents and family members were in attendance for the ceremony and shared in a champagne toast post vow renewal.
Below are the stories of two of the couples who renewed their vows:
Larry and Ellen Wing
Larry and Ellen Wing, ages 84 and 81 respectively, celebrated 64 years of marriage in January. Their journey began in the 1960s at Standard Oil, where Larry, hailing from Wisconsin, swept Ellen, a south side Chicago native, off her feet with a date in downtown Chicago, watching “To Kill a Mockingbird” and dining at George Diamond Steakhouse. Six months later, Larry proposed, promising adventures galore. Larry and Ellen adopted two children and have been blessed with three grandchildren. They devoted a significant portion of their retired life to volunteer work, spanning Meals on Wheels, Catholic Charities, and fostering education through the Friends of the Library, with Ellen spearheading a scholarship program. After residing in Downers Grove, they found a new home at The Roosevelt two and a half years ago. Larry quips, “Yes, dear,” when asked about their marriage's longevity, underlining their enduring love and friendship. Ellen highlights the importance of maintaining individuality alongside their bond. They have renewed their vows three times on their 25th, 50th, and 60th anniversaries, cherishing each moment of their enduring love story.
Jim and Carol Reasor
Jim and Carol Reasor's remarkable love story spans an incredible 67 years. It all began in an Indianapolis church youth group, where 16-year-old Jim first encountered 14-year-old Carol. Their inaugural date marked the genesis of a lifelong bond. As they pursued higher education at Purdue University, Carol followed Jim, resulting in numerous memorable adventures. Their wedding ceremony in July 1956 took place in the same Methodist Church where their teenage romance blossomed. Just nine months later, their first child arrived, heralding the start of a family journey with five children, 12 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. While Carol devoted herself to homemaking and later pursued a career in education, Jim flourished as an industrial engineer until his retirement in 1996. Their shared interests in boating and snowmobiling injected excitement into their lives, leading to exhilarating travels across Europe, the Caribbean, and Alaska. Throughout their decades-long companionship, Jim and Carol have remained steadfast best friends, attributing the endurance of their marriage to their unwavering commitment to each other and their solemn wedding vows. As Jim's 90th birthday approaches and Carol celebrates her 88th, they continue to live life to the fullest, drawing strength from their enduring romantic bond and friendship. Their inspiring love story serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of love.