[Editor’s note: Because Robert is hard of hearing, most of this conversation was held with Ione.]
Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
Boise, Idaho, is where I was born. We moved to Ferndale during World War II, when I was a teenager. I remember gas rationing at that time. We started going to church, and that is where I met Robert. He ignored me for a year, and then we finally started dating. He was in the men’s choir, and he has a wonderful voice. We got married when I was 18 and he was 19, just out of high school. On June 5, we will be married for 75 years. He is a good man; he can’t hear very well now.
While Robert was building our house, we lived at his parents’ house. We had a big house on the Pole Road, with a barn and acres of land. I loved keeping house, but it was so big, after the kids moved out it became too much to manage.
What was your first job?
I worked in a home for a family doing housework and babysitting two boys. The woman was very strict, but I learned a lot from her. Then I was a homemaker. I just loved it! I cooked, canned, baked and raised the kids.
Robert worked part time for Georgia Pacific, then he drove truck. He drove logging trucks and long hauls across the country.
What other types of work did you do before retiring?
Later I worked as the manager for the 4-H building at the fair, managing the building for 30 years. I started working there after the kids did 4-H.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
Being around all the kids and animals.
Robert loved driving!
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
My family. They are so dear, and they are very educated. My granddaughter is an RN and lives in Mount Vernon with her family. One grandson is in the service and works in a nuclear division on the East Coast. We knew he was smart, but he is brilliant. My other grandson is a deputy sheriff, and his wife is a businesswoman. She is also our caregiver. She is just wonderful.
What is the hardest thing that you’ve lived through, and how did you get through it?
Our oldest son died of cancer. It was a very hard time, but we got through it together. He was married and had a young son who doesn’t really remember him now. His son is now married and has three kids.
What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
When the kids were young. I loved being a homemaker. I baked, canned, cooked and raised the kids. I just loved that time! I also spent time playing the piano and organ and enjoyed cleaning and tidying up the house.
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
They were very strict, but I am grateful for that. Once I tried smoking as a teen; I am horrified now that I ever tried it. I never got into drinking, either.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person?
Keep busy; too much time on your hands can get you into trouble.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you, but you wish they did?
I loved keeping house and cooking and baking. I made multiple loaves of bread a week. I never bought anything; I always made it from scratch.
What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
The care is above average, and for us to be together is wonderful. No negatives. It has been the best place for us.