43: Ed and Ruby Reed: 65 Years and Still Dancing

Ed and Ruby Reed have been side by side since the eleventh grade, and more than sixty years later, they're still having a good time. Both grew up in rural Southern California, where hard work was a given and families made their own fun.Ed spent much of his boyhood in the high desert, hauling water, milking goats, and learning everything he could from a dad who could fix just about anything. Ruby, the daughter of Oklahoma parents who came west after the Dust Bowl, grew up in Imperial Beach, where she twirled a baton and caught the eye of a boy who worked at the grocery store.The two married in 1961 while Ed was in the Air Force. In California, they raised their two amazing daughters Holly and Darla, and filled their years with camping trips, dancing, and good friends. Through great joy and real heartache, they've always kept things in perspective. 

Becky Benson Smith grew up on a farm in Carey, Idaho, with three older siblings and a little sister in a family devoted to the Lord and to His gospel. As a teenager, her family was sent on a mission to Düsseldorf, Germany, where she had wonderful experiences and even met her future husband, Steve Smith. The two got together while attending BYU, and they raised four amazing kids, Todd, Kim, Matt, and Jared. Together, they have worked hard, traveled all over the world, and served three missions to Moscow, Siberia, and Nauvoo. Becky and Steve have raised a tight-knit, righteous family anchored in their faith in Jesus Christ. And every summer, their family gathers at their cabin in McCall, which they built to bring their clan together.

This episode contains discussions of difficult life experiences, including abuse and other mature themes. These elements are included to authentically tell Tommy's story and reflect his lived experiences. Listener discretion is advised.Tommy Young is a kindhearted Marine veteran, husband, father, and grandfather. He was raised in West Virginia and went through some tough times, dealing with learning disabilities, bullying, and abuse.His siblings, however, were always there for him. They have looked out for him his entire life, making sure he knew what to do and was taken care of.After high school, and a career-ending football injury, he headed to California, where he made some great memories.Upon his return to West Virginia, he signed on with the Marines and became the top recruiter in the state.He soon welcomed his pride and joy into the world, his son, Jessie Dalton.Tommy has worked hard throughout his life to become the best version of himself. That personal growth led to him marrying Stella, his wonderful, devoted wife.His life has not always been easy, but Tommy's faith in Jesus and his positive attitude have carried him through.

Max and Nettie Nelson are two of the finest people you could ever meet. Their love has spanned more than sixty years, enduring serious hardship along the way while remaining steady through it all. Both were raised on family farms in Eastern Idaho as faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where hard work, music, family, and the gospel became central parts of their lives from a young age.Max first noticed Nettie as a teenager while attending stake conference, and after serving a mission to the Eastern Central States, the two were reunited. The happy couple were married in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1962 and eventually settled in Boise, where they raised seven children and built a home centered on faith, love, and family.Today, their posterity includes dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and their ultimate hope is that their family will continue to love each other, love the Lord, and stay true to the gospel that has guided their lives together. 

Thayne Curtis is a strong and generous man who has done—and continues to do—a great deal of good in this world, quietly and without any need for recognition.He was raised in Idaho by good parents, working on the family farm with his siblings.He eventually was called on a mission to Pennsylvania, where he met his sweetheart, Cathy, as she was also serving. Together they had three wonderful kids: Lance, Jason, and Katie.He later joined the military and became a dog handler—a position he loved and one that proved to be a great blessing in his life. Because of it, his family had the opportunity to live in several places, including New Mexico, Idaho, and Alabama.Upon retiring, Thayne and Cathy settled in Boise, where he began a job as a software architect, and he has been with his company for 32 years.Far too early in her life, Cathy was diagnosed with dementia, and Thayne became her loyal, diligent caregiver through that time. He did not shirk his responsibilities and took it as an opportunity to show his dear wife an incredible amount of love before she passed away.Nowadays, Thayne is still working, building furniture, driving his Tesla, and best of all, being grandpa to his awesome grandkids.His life has taken many twists and turns, but throughout he has remained faithful to the Lord and submitted to God’s will.

Royal Jay Swenson is a hardworking, thoughtful, and deeply spiritual man whose life has been shaped by service and love for his family. He was born on July 9th, 1933, in Pocatello and grew up on a small dry farm in Eastern Idaho. There he learned the value of hard work and responsibility at a young age.Jay developed a lifelong passion for agriculture and education, which led him to attend Brigham Young University and later Utah State. He met his wife, Ann at BYU, and the two were married in 1953. Shortly after, Jay was drafted into the Korean War and was deployed to Germany for 18 months. The Swensons raised seven amazing children: Lynda, Jacquie, David, Michael, Sally, Ceci, and Jennifer. Together they navigated military service, frequent moves, and many of the various challenges of life.Throughout his career in agriculture and soil science, Jay was often at the forefront of new ideas and programs, while also serving diligently in the Church wherever his family lived.Jay is a faithful follower of Christ and that belief has shaped his entire life.

Ann Swenson is a strong, curious, and deeply faithful woman whose life has been shaped by resilience, service, and love for her family. She was born in 1933 in London, England, and grew up during World War II. Ann’s father was away for five years during the war. He had not been rescued at Dunkirk and then became a prisoner of war in Switzerland. After the war, Ann immigrated with her family to Canada and later moved to Provo, Utah to attend BYU. She married her husband, Royal Jay Swenson, in 1953, and together they raised seven amazing children while navigating frequent moves, financial challenges, and everything in between.An avid lifelong learner, Ann returned to school later in life, earning two bachelor’s degrees, becoming a registered nurse, and completing a master’s degree in social work. She’s devoted her life to caring for others—as a mother, a nurse, and a temple worker for over thirty years—and is known for the deep, constant love she has always shown her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.A devoted follower of Christ, Ann’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and creating a home where family has always come first.

Sandi Ross is a bright, beautiful, giving woman who has devoted her life to working hard and caring for her family. She grew up in Panguitch, Utah, where she enjoyed working on the farm with her dad and riding her horse, Bess.Her father tragically passed away when she was only fifteen years old, and their family moved to Salt Lake. Just before graduating high school, Sandi met and married Grant Duane Ross in 1961.Together, they raised three children, Kathy, Karla, and Kelly, and two of their seven grandchildren they owned and operated Sandi’s Drive-In in Richfield. Sandi eventually went on to work for Utah Power and sat on the executive board of the Union. She was the first female to do so and was on the board for twenty-five years.Sandi is a devout follower of Christ, and along with Duane, they visited fifty-three temples and served a temple mission to Lima, Peru.

Arlene Baldwin is a kind, loving, and resilient woman who has enjoyed a beautiful life full of rich experiences and close family ties. She’s no stranger to hardship, but no matter what she’s encountered, she’s met it with strength, optimism, and deep faith in Christ.She was born in Salt Lake City in 1931, right in the middle of the Great Depression. Her family had very little, but they made the most of what they had and shared a very strong bond. As the oldest child of six, Arlene took on responsibility early. She left high school halfway through her senior year so she could work and help give her younger siblings opportunities she didn’t have herself.At just 18 years old, Arlene met Byron Reed Baldwin while working at the Pronto Pup as a waitress. They married in 1950 and began building a wonderful life and family. Together hey raised five amazing children: Diane, Daryl, Dale, Donnie, and Deridee. Arlene was, and still is, a very involved mother, spending countless hours supporting her children in their many sports and activities, all while running the Rose Shop in Idaho Falls.Her home was busy and full of love. An accomplished artist, baker, knitter, and homemaker, Arlene has always shared her talents freely with others. Known affectionately as the “Candy Grandma”, she’s the heart of her family and a devoted matriarch to her five children, twenty grandchildren, fifty-one great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.Throughout her life, Arlene has held fast to her faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Luana Merrell grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, as the fifth of eight Brimley children. At just sixteen years old, she lost her mother and stepped into the role of raising her younger siblings. From that point on, hers became a lifetime of devoted service and care for her family.After moving to Mesa, Arizona, Luana met her husband, Loren Vaughn Merrell, and together they raised eleven children. A gifted pianist, she has shared her love of music for decades and still teaches lessons at 94 years old. She is also passionate about sewing and crafting, talents she passed down to her family.Luana and her husband served a mission in El Salvador, teaching literacy and blessing countless lives. Later, she also served a single-sister mission in McAllen, Texas. Through every season of her life, Luana has built a legacy of faith, sacrifice, positivity, and love.