BILL AND LYNDA GRIMES OF RIPLEY, OK CELEBRATE 53 YEARS OF MARRIGE

Bill and Lynda Grimes of Ripley, OK celebrate 53 years of marriage. While they put down roots and made Ripley their home 44 years ago, they also briefly lived in Tryon and Agra in the early days of their married life. They raised their children in Ripley, and all three of their daughters graduated from there. They continue to enjoy the life they have built out in the country. Married for more than five decades, they are now enjoying the retired life by spending time with their family, enjoying each other’s company, spending time appreciating nature, taking scenic drives, and attending church. They are blessed with three daughters, three sons-in-law, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. They’ve always made family a priority, even raising their children frequently around cousins who lived nearby. The family-oriented couple spoke fondly of those days while reminiscing about the raising of their girls and appreciating the closeness of their family.

Lynda retired from Ripley schools after working for 37 years in the elementary office. Lovingly known as Miss Lynda at school, she watched many school children over the years grow from Pre-K through graduation. Also close to her heart are the years she spent working at the school and with the children, memories she still treasures. Former students enjoy running into Miss Lynda when they see her around town. Bill retired after 32 years with National Standard in Stillwater, OK. Since retiring, Bill now enjoys his title, Mr. Bill, while volunteering at Ripley schools in the greenhouse and demonstrating gardening to students of all grades. Over the years, they have enjoyed his gardening pastime. While Bill enjoys working in and growing the garden, Lynda has been known to spend her time in the kitchen canning and cooking the fruit of his labors. Their family has reaped the benefits of their efforts by enjoying delicious meals on the family’s table that were grown right at home.

Bill and Lynda’s simple love story began many years ago. Like many love stories, the way they met was simple, but set off a chain of events that brought them to where they are today. Bill, 7 years her senior, walked into the tag agency where she worked in Perkins. Dressed in his army fatigues, Lynda noticed him right away. Unfortunately, she had to turn him away more than once to get the proper documents he needed for the title he was seeking. After having to send him away so many times, she recalled thinking he wouldn’t like her after that, but he kept coming back and eventually got the title. He eventually got the girl, too. Her friend set them up on a blind date and the rest is history. They dated for about two years before they married on July 18, 1969. Lynda appreciates that Bill is the sentimental type. He’s one to always remember important dates and she recalls the sweet gestures he’s made over the years, such as picking her roses from the garden he grew.

Love is present in the small gestures. They both believe the key to a happy marriage is found in working together and always talking things out. It hasn’t always been easy, but together they have worked hard to make their marriage stand the test of time. That has been the recipe for success in their relationship and has led to a life filled with love and prosperity.

by PAUL RAGLE