The Dalles Chronicle February 13, 2002 Floyd, age 98, and Gertrude Woodrum, 102, are approaching 72 years of marriage together. Nancy Lemons photo Wasco (Oregon) couple tied the knot June 26, 1930 By Nancy Lemons, of The Chronicle When Gertrude Weishaar accepted an invitation to go fishing, she didn't know it would lead to a 72-year relationship. Floyd, age 98, and Gertrude Woodrum, 102, now live in Wasco and say they love each other the same as they did when they were young sweethearts back in the 1930s. "He was handsome at that time. He still is to me," said Gertrude, as she smiles and turns to look at Floyd who is sitting in his recliner. The couple met in Knoxville, Iowa, where Gertrude lived at a boarding house, owned by her mother's friend. She moved into the boarding house following her mother's death. One day a group of seven construction workers, one of them being Floyd, came to ask about renting a room. Gertrude had to move out of her room to make room for the men. Floyd has described Gertrude in her earlier days as having hair as black as raven feathers and being so skinny you could hear her bones squeak when she walked. His friends told him he didn't have a chance at getting a date with Gertrude. But, Floyd had confidence and a plan - talk to her. Floyd says Gertrude was "quiet and didn't have much to say," but he got her to talking and found she had never been fishing. So, he invited her to go with him. "I cut her an 'ol willow pole, and she was a fisherman." said Floyd. "We went fishing and she caught me," he added, retelling the punch line to one of his favorite memories. From then on, Floyd says, "We were so close, you couldn't separate us." Three months after they met, Floyd started making plans. He told his boss the next time it rained he needed to get off work from his construction job to get married. That night, Floyd says the rain just poured down. The next day, his boss gave him $50 and told him to go get married. In all the excitement, the two young lovers forgot to check the gas tank before heading off to Kansas City, Missouri. They ran out of gas. Luckily, says Floyd, some people came to help and they were on their journey again to "happily ever after." Their plans included a church ceremony, but when the couple found out everything could be taken care of at the courthouse, they opted for that. It was a spur of the moment thing," explained Floyd. That was June 26, 1930 and the couple is now approaching 72 years together. "We've had a wonderful life and that's no maybe. I mean it when I say that," said Gertrude. The couple has enjoyed years of camping, hiking, playing cards, and , of course, fishing. They both love the outdoors, says their only son Mel. (The Woodrums have five grandchildren [two preceded them in death], 12 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren). In the early 40s, the Woodrums moved to the Pacific Northwest. People were needed to run the boilers at Hanford Nuclear Reservation, and Floyd was one of the first hired, he says. And, for a time, Floyd built trailerhouses, but sold that business after World War II. In 1969, they moved to Wasco, where they continue to live together. They may not get around as much anymore, but they still like spending time together. These days, instead of fishing, you can find them watching their favorite games shows - "Jeopardy", "Wheel of Fortune" and others. Joan Parrett, a caregiver to the Woodrums, says she has never seen two people who love each other so much. "They always go to bed at the same time. They kiss each other good night...There is no selfishness between them. They are always watching out for each other." said Parrett. When asked how they have managed to stay together for so long, Gertrude says, "We love each other." Floyd says Gertrude is "easy to get along with and she doesn't give you any trouble" - a comment that drew laughs from all in the room. But, Gertrude took no offense; she knew what he meant. "He was just a sweetheart. Always a loving guy", she said. An invitation to their 70th wedding anniversary celebration reads: "It is truly a test of love when 70 years come and go and two people wake each morning as though it were the first." Parrett says she can't think of any better words to describe the loving relationship she sees in the Woodrums. Written permission to reprint article given by The Dalles Chronicle, The Dalles, Oregon. Copied and submitted by Earline Wasser