DUBLIN, Ohio — Bud and Audrey St. Clair’s love story began in the early 50s.
- The couple is proof that true love never dies, and it’s that love that continues to carry them through thick and thin
- They grew up in Zanesville but didn’t cross paths until years later
- She made a choice to move into the memory care community with him, even though she doesn't require that type of care
They grew up on the same street in Zanesville, but their paths never crossed because of a five-year age difference.
It wasn’t until Audrey was an 18-year-old high school senior who accepted a ride in the then 23-year-old's Chevy Convertible.
“There was three to four of us girls that would ride to school every morning and then finally he said, ‘do you want to go out on a date?’ and I thought, sure he's kidding me. But we did, and I was quite impressed because he took me to Columbus to see Moulin Rouge,” said Audrey St. Clair.
The two would continue to date and kept in touch when Bud was called away to fight in the Korean War.
Audrey's tears turned to joy on December 16, 1955 —their wedding day.
To this day, it remains their favorite photo together, as Audrey, 84, and Bud, 89, reflect upon 64 years of marriage at Dublin Retirement Village.
Both say they don't need a holiday to remind them of their love.
“Every day is special. Every day is special because he's always been a terrific husband. I've never had life so good as after we got married,” said Audrey St. Clair.
Bud, who has his good and bad days, is suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease.
Audrey made a choice last summer to move into the memory care community with him, even though she doesn't require that type of care.
“It's just plain terrible, it tears you heart out. There's nothing that he wouldn't do for me, and I couldn't not be with him, I had to be with him,” says Audrey St. Clair.
The St. Clair’s bond is inspiring and heartwarming to residents at the retirement village.
“Audrey cares so much about Bud. And every day is worried about him, she's talking to the care partners about what he needs. She's making sure it’s done. It really is a wonderful story. And you don't see it often,” says Dublin Retirement Village Administrator Dionne Nicol.
The St. Clairs never had children. Instead, they built a life around collecting and showing cars.
And although Bud doesn't say much these days, he tends to open up when it comes to his award-winning 1960 Red Corvette he built by hand.
“It takes a lot of time. It's also therapy,” said Bud St. Clair.
“We've owned three, but the red one, that's been our show. That's been our baby,” said Audrey St. Clair.
And later this year when the St. Clairs celebrate 65 years together, they’ll celebrate the precious moments, the memories they made and the vows they exchanged that day in 1955 to stick together through sickness and in health.
“Just don't forget love, and cooperation. I just, I got to be with him. Got to be with him,” said Audrey St. Clair.