A couple who had been married for seven decades and had both served in WWII died on the same day

In this life, not everyone gets a chance to be with their greatest love. Some are fortunate enough to find their soulmate and spend their entire lives together, while others experience the pain of losing their beloved. Each love story is unique, and amidst the rarity of true love in today’s world, we come across a remarkable tale of love that spanned an extraordinary seven decades.

It all began with a typical blind date in Philadelphia when Isabell Whitney and Preble Staver first laid eyes on each other. However, their budding romance was put on hold as the United States entered World War II, calling both of them to serve their country. Isabell selflessly offered her services as a nurse in the Navy stationed in Maryland while Preble enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He demonstrated his bravery and earned a Bronze Star.

_{Staver Family}

After the war’s conclusion, Isabell and Preble finally reunited and exchanged vows on February 15, 1946. This joyous union began a love story that would withstand the test of time. Reflecting on her parents’ relationship, Laurie Staver Clinton, one of their five children, fondly recalls their unique personalities. “They were great people. Mom taught me that we can’t change others but can change our attitude towards them. Dad, well, he was a bit of a prickly pear!” she says. While her father was strict, her mother attempted to enforce rules, but the children knew how to get away with things under her watchful eye. It was a classic case of “father rules the roost.”

_{Laurie Staver Clinton | People}

Throughout the years, Isabell dedicated herself to raising their five children. At the same time, Preble pursued a career as a lobbyist and banker, leading the family to relocate multiple times due to the nature of his job. However, tragedy struck in 1975 while they resided in Naples, Florida. Their son, Peter, tragically passed away after sustaining a severe football injury during his senior year of high school. This tragic event brought the family closer together, as it revealed a softer side of Preble. Despite the pain, their unwavering support for one another helped them navigate the darkest moments.

Years later, the family briefly settled in Bluffton, South Carolina, where they fulfilled Preble’s lifelong dream of living near a golf course. Eventually, they moved to Virginia to be closer to other family members as they grew older. Staver Clinton reflects on those times joyfully, reminiscing, “They truly enjoyed each other’s company. It was a delight to witness, and they built a beautiful life together.”

In 2013, Isabell began displaying signs of dementia, prompting the family to move their parents to a long-term care facility in Norfolk, Virginia. Witnessing his wife’s gradual decline was incredibly challenging for Preble, causing him immense stress and resulting in their separation within the facility. Despite the physical distance, their love remained as strong as ever. Staver Clinton recalls, “They found another way to express their love. Even after Dad lost the ability to walk and was confined to He would push himself down to the memory care facility in a wheelchair. to visit Mom.” Their reunions were filled with profound love as they held each other’s hands and professed their love without uttering a single word.

When Preble celebrated his 96th birthday, his only wish was to nap with Isabell. The family arranged for their beds to be placed side by side, allowing the couple to spend three precious hours together in peaceful silence. Holding hands, they drifted to sleep, their love transcending any need for words.

On October 25, 2017, Staver Clinton received the news that her mother’s final hours were approaching. Hurrying to the facility, she wheeled her father to bid farewells together. It was an intensely emotional moment as Preble held Isabell’s hand, and Laurie asked him whether he wanted to stay after the prayers. He shook his head with tears streaming down their faces, indicating it was time to let go. Isabell passed away on that very day, and within a mere 14 hours, Preble followed his beloved wife like a testament to their unbreakable bond.

Reflecting on her parents’ extraordinary love story, Staver Clinton emphasizes the importance of commitment and resilience. “Mom and Dad truly lived out the notion that, no matter how rough life gets or what obstacles come your way, you work through it together,” she remarks. The story of Isabell and Preble Staver is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of adversity.

Be sure to share this heartwarming tale of love and commitment with your loved ones, as it reminds them that true love knows no bounds.

Source