Bettie and Charlie Koelling hold hands while sitting on a couch on Sept. 8, 2021, in their apartment at Lenoir Wood Senior Living Community in Columbia, MO. “It might not look like it, but we are having a lot of fun,” Charlie said.
75 Years of Togetherness
"I don't cook, I don't clean. I am not like my mother." This was Bettie's reply to Charlie's marriage proposal. Although Charlie admired Bettie from a very young age, it wasn't until 1946 that they started dating. In a few months, the dating transitioned to marriage. However, before they started dating, Bettie was engaged to marry Charlie's best friend. "They are not best friends anymore," Bettie said. "He was a good man but did not have an ambition. Charlie was very smart and charming." Bettie smiles. It's been 75 years since Bettie said "Yes" to Charlie's proposal, but it seems like nothing has changed. Underneath their weathering bodies, their sprites remain young.
From left, Charlie Koelling, Bettie Koelling, and great-granddaughter Hannah Weaver break into laughter after Bettie puts on the birthday hat on Sept. 14, 2021, at Columbia, MO. "You are all caught up with me now," Charlie said during Bettie's 95th birthday celebration.
From right, Carrie Weaver hugs grandmother Bettie Koelling while her daughter Hannah watches them, Sept. 14, 2021, in Columbia, MO. "We love to hang out with them (great-grandparents)," Hannah said. She enjoys playing cards with her 'pappa' Charlie.
Bettie Koelling smiles at one of Charlie's comments during a conversation on Sept. 14, 2021, at their daughter Karen Weaver's home in Columbia, MO. "I need to watch him like a hawk about what he is going to say," Bettie said. "Not everybody can take a joke."
Bettie Koelling places her hand on Charlie's shoulder as they walk toward the lunch area, Sept. 7, 2021, at the Lenoir Wood Senior Living Community in Columbia, MO. "We never argue," Bettie said. "We have disagreements, but we just agree to disagree."
Charlie Koelling watches Bettie solve the jigsaw puzzle, Sept 7, 2021, at their apartment in Lenoir Wood Senior Living Community. The couple lives a quiet life. Bettie enjoys solving jigsaw puzzles or reading during the day.
Bettie Koelling holds Charlie Koelling’s hand, Sept. 8, 2021, in their apartment at Lenoir Wood Senior Living Community in Columbia, MO. “We’ve had a wonderful life together,” Bettie said.
75 Years of Togetherness "I don't cook, I don't clean. I am not like my mother." This was Bettie's reply to Charlie's marriage proposal. Although Charlie admired Bettie from a very young age, it wasn't until 1946 that they st...
Tanishka R. Photojournalist and Picture Editor based in Columbia, Mo.
I am a South Asian photojournalist and picture editor based in the American Midwest. I am interested in telling stories that show hope amidst adversity, focusing on the themes of race, social inequity, and the environment.
