Matters of the Heart
Matters of the Heart
Linda and Gary Topping celebrate 50 years and a family farm legacy by Mary Jo David “Party at the Red Light! Be there or be square!” How many times did Stockbridge teens in the ’70s utter those words? “Mention the Red Light to anyone from our era in Stockbridge, and they’ll know exactly what you […]
Matters of the Heart
Gary and Roberta Ludtke: College sweethearts celebrate 50 years of marriage by Joan Tucker In 1972, Roberta and Gary Lutdke met at Alma College in Michigan. Roberta majored in education and Gary in business. One day, Roberta and her roommate wanted to meet the handsome young men on the other side of the campus, so […]
For over 50 years, the Smiths love doing things together
by Judy Williams Ken and Susie Smith’s story started when Susie moved to Gregory from Inkster, when she was in seventh grade. Susie had beautiful waist-length, long blonde hair and was very pretty. This attracted Ken, who was in eighth grade. During this time in Stockbridge, students wanting a hot lunch would walk across the […]
The Crows: Sharing activities and interests for more than 50 years
by Judy Williams Dwight and Sue Crow’s story begins in Inkster when Sue was Sue Weber. She and Susie Rautiola were great friends and lived across the street from each other. Susie even stayed with Sue and her family for a month following a fire in her family’s home. In seventh grade, Susie’s family moved […]
Matters of the Heart
Forward-thinking groom saves the day when Gary and Kay Gee married in 1967 by Mary Jo David, as told to Kaytlyn Higgins Many are familiar with the longtime area business known as Gee Farms. Founders of the business, Gary and Kay Gee, will be married 58 years this month—a huge accomplishment for anyone, but especially […]
Matters of the Heart
Innate skills and ongoing friendship fuel the marriage of Jim and Patrice Johnson by Kelsey Rasmussen Jim Johnson and Patrice Weddon both worked at Spadafore’s grocery store and graduated from Stockbridge High School together in 1970. The couple married in 1974. They cannot believe it was 50 years ago! Over the last five decades they […]
Matters of the Heart
The Hartkas’ friendship has fostered a happy union of 55 years by Mary Jo David When Ken and Loretta Hartka think about giving advice to couples who are contemplating marriage, they begin with, “Make sure you’re friends first.” Friendship is the magic formula that worked for this couple, who will be celebrating their 55th wedding […]
Matters of the Heart
Pam and Fred Wilson focus on faith and family in their 62 years together by Joan Tucker Just this past December 22, Pam and Fred Wilson celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Where does the time go? These two met at Stockbridge High School. They became an item their senior year when Fred, a Stockbridge football […]
Matters of the Heart
Campbell and Fran Laird: A love story that began ‘across the pond’ by Mary Jo David (as shared by the Lairds) Campbell and Frances (“Fran”) Laird may be living in the Stockbridge home Fran grew up in, but their love story had its start more than 60 years ago and 3,700 miles away. “My family […]
Matters of the Heart
Jim and Paula Pietila: A marriage that began in Hell is still going strong! by Mary Jo David (as shared by the Pietilas) Although they went to school in Pinckney, it took a high school dance in Stockbridge to bring Jim Pietila and Paula Wright together. Paula’s cousin, Donna Biehn, invited Paula to attend the […]