Chuck and Joan Bumpus: Long before Uber, ride sharing in Stockbridge led to romance
by Tracy Bumpus
It all began at Stockbridge High School, where Chuck Bumpus and Joan Ward ran around with the same group of friends and then graduated together in 1956. After high school Joan started nursing school in Lansing and Chuck went to Alma. Joan’s mom asked Chuck’s mom if he could give Joan rides to and from school on the weekends. The ride sharing plan won parental approval. Eventually, ride sharing led to romance, and then on June 20, 1959, Chuck and Joan were married.
Chuck ran the family business—D&C Stores; Joan worked as a teacher’s aid for years and spent considerable time as a stay-at-home mom with their five children: Carrie (Tim) Johnson, Tracy Bumpus, Amy (Jason Kallio) West, Tammy (Kevin) Basore, and Chuck (Nicky) Bumpus. Together, Chuck and Joan always attended the many sports events their kids participated in—beginning in elementary school and all the way through college. Now, they are big MSU fans—GO GREEN, GO WHITE! They are also the proud grandparents of ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The couple continues to support and are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Stockbridge. They enjoy working in their yard, taking the boat to the lake, riding bikes, taking walks, watching their favorite sports teams on television, supporting local events, and taking their annual trips to the Hiawatha Club in the U.P., Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, and Florida.
According to daughter Tracy Bumpus, her parents epitomize what a married couple is, “They love and care for each other very deeply.”
This was especially evident a few years ago when Chuck had heart surgery and also four years ago when Joan was in the hospital and rehab for three months after falling and breaking her sternum.
“They are very dedicated, supportive, and respectful toward each other. From time to time I see them sitting on the front porch, relaxing and enjoying quiet time together. Then there are times when they’ll be picking on each other and making themselves chuckle or laugh!”
This special anniversary story will be included in our Hearts and Flowers—Love is in the Air feature celebrating couples who have been married 50 years or more. Watch for this feature in the February print edition of the Stockbridge Community News.
