by Clyde Whitaker

Hello again everyone, here’s a little something different for my story this month. I think a lot of you already know our friends Loie and Shirley Craft for the honey they sell out of their house here in Stockbridge, but there is more to this story.

Loie was born in Luna, Kentucky, and moved up to Fitchburg when he was 4 years old. Shirley was born in Battle Creek and moved to Stockbridge in 1958 to marry Loie. They were married in June 1958 at the Church of God in Stockbridge. This year marks 68 years of marriage. Congratulations!

I asked Shirley how they met, and she said at the Church of God here in Stockbridge. When I asked her about their first date, she thought for a moment. Then she said that Loie had some chickens at his house in Fitchburg, and he had to go feed them one day. Well, she rode with him to go and feed the chickens, so she guessed that was their first date.

Loie and Shirley are well known for the honey they sell by the quart. Loie has been a beekeeper for over 50 years. In his working years, Loie worked at Hydramatic in Ypsilanti for 30 years, retiring in 1995. Shirley was a homemaker, helping Loie as he needed it.

Shirley said that, one time, Loie was roofing the house and asked Shirley for some help. Shirley said, “I can get up there, but I can’t get down.”

Loie said, “I’ll push you off” (jokingly, of course)! Shirley did go up the ladder to help Loie and was able to get down just fine.

When I asked them what was the secret to a long marriage, Loie laughed and said, “Just listen to what she says.”

Shirley said you just have to put up with each other and make faith and God the cornerstone of your life.

Hobbies for Loie and Shirley include doll collecting and collecting kerosene lamps. Doll collecting started about 10 years ago by Shirley. The kerosene lamp collecting was started about 50 years ago by their children, because they wanted to have money so they could afford presents for their parents.

I have to say this was the largest collection of dolls and kerosene lamps I have ever seen. They are neatly displayed and show the love Loie and Shirley have for their collections.

Here’s an idea: Next time you go for honey, ask to see the displays. I know they would enjoy showing them to you.

Clyde Whitaker is a 1973 Stockbridge graduate. He and his wife, Mary, raised four children in Stockbridge, and they still reside in the Stockbridge area.