A Love Story 69 Years in the Making
Sometimes, the most beautiful journeys begin with a blind date you almost skip. That’s exactly how Ben and Betty’s lifelong adventure started – set up by friends in Fort Knox, Kentucky, when neither was quite sure they wanted to go.
But they did go, and thank goodness for that. “I thought she was beautiful,” says Ben. Betty smiles and adds, “He was funny and kind.” Within two months, Ben proposed. One month later, they were married in Germany while Ben was stationed overseas.
Now, 69 years later, Ben and Betty are still laughing together, finishing each other’s sentences, and cherishing a lifetime full of travel, family, and shared memories. “Our biggest accomplishment?” they agree, “Staying married for 69 years, and keeping a good sense of humor about it.”
A Life of Love, Laughter & Adventure
Ben, born in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, and Betty, born in Louisville, Kentucky, came from very different backgrounds. Betty was raised in a large, multigenerational household with her parents, grandparents, and four older brothers. “Times were hard,” she recalls, “but we had each other.” Her grandmother sewed the family’s clothes.
Ben, meanwhile, spent his childhood exploring the natural beauty of the Vineyard with his older brother, enjoying a great deal of freedom that sparked a lifelong love of adventure. He later studied business administration at UMass Amherst and built a career in international sales, while Betty was a successful real estate broker.
After marrying, the couple moved often -16 different homes over the years – but always considered Martha’s Vineyard their true home. “It’s where we built our first house – literally with our own hands,” says Ben. That experience remains one of their favorite memories together.
Family First
Together, Ben and Betty raised four children in what they affectionately call “good chaos.” Their home was filled with activity, energy, and lots of love. “If the kids wanted advice, they’d always go to Dad,” Betty says with a grin. “And if they needed to blame the advice on someone, they’d go to Dad too.”
They enjoyed boating -“We sank a few boats,” Ben admits with a chuckle—and family sports. Betty played golf and tennis, swam, knitted, and crocheted. Ben took flying lessons (interrupted by a transfer to England), painted, and tackled word puzzles. Their love of travel took them around the world.
The Heart Behind the Humor
Those who meet Ben might not realize just how big his heart is. “He’s a big softy,” Betty confides. “He loves kids and animals.” And while Betty may seem reserved at first, those closest to her know better. “She’s an open book and outrageous around those who know her well,” Ben says.
Ask them the secret to a happy marriage, and they’ll tell you: humor, patience, and partnership. “Betty’s been a supportive wife through everything,” Ben says. “She’s beautiful, friendly, and interesting – and she’s held up well over the years!” Betty, in turn, describes Ben as “patient, funny, and a wonderful husband and father.”
Ben and Betty’s story is one of love that’s stood the test of time, of family life full of joy, and of a bond built on mutual respect. We are honored to have them as part of the Decatur House family, and inspired by the life they’ve shared, and continue to share, together.
