Tanishka R. Photojournalist and Picture Editor based in Columbia, Mo.

75 Years of Togetherness - Bettie laughs as Charlie recalls their wedding day as...

Bettie laughs as Charlie recalls their wedding day as they look at an old... READ ON

27,000 days of love

"I don’t cook. I don’t clean. I am not like my mother.” This was Bettie’s reply to Charlie’s marriage proposal in 1946. Charlie Koelling and Bettie Chester grew up together in New Franklin, and Charlie was smitten with Bettie at a young age. “From afar, I admired her,” he says.

Charlie served in the Navy during World War II, and when he returned in April 1946, Bettie was engaged to his once best friend. “He was not my best friend,” Charlie said. “Well, not now,” Bettie says with a smile. Four months later, they married in an intimate five-person ceremony on Aug. 5, 1946.

It has been 75 years since Bettie said yes to Charlie’s proposal — 75 years full of love, family and memories. They have two children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Even at age 95, their spirits remain young. They have spent over 27,000 days of their lives facing challenges together and cherishing each other’s dreams and aspirations.

75 Years of Togetherness - Great-granddaughter Hannah Weaver break into laughter...

Great-granddaughter Hannah Weaver break into laughter after Bettie (center)... READ ON

75 Years of Togetherness - Bettie clasps Charlie's hand during a conversation at...

Bettie clasps Charlie's hand during a conversation at their apartment in... READ ON

75 Years of Togetherness - Hannah watches her mother, Carrie Weaver, embrace...

Hannah watches her mother, Carrie Weaver, embrace grandmother Bettie on her... READ ON

75 Years of Togetherness - Bettie and Charlie enter the elevator to go outside and...

Bettie and Charlie enter the elevator to go outside and take a stroll.... READ ON

75 Years of Togetherness - Charlie congratulates the Mizzou woman's basketball...

Charlie congratulates the Mizzou woman's basketball team after an... READ ON

75 Years of Togetherness - Bettie and Charlie exercise at the gym at their residence...

Bettie and Charlie exercise at the gym at their residence in Lenoir Wood.... READ ON

75 Years of Togetherness - Charlie performs his weekly ritual of refilling...

Charlie performs his weekly ritual of refilling Bettie's medicine box.... READ ON

75 Years of Togetherness - Charlie plans his next move in a game of two-person...

Charlie plans his next move in a game of two-person bridge, a game that they... READ ON

75 Years of Togetherness - "It might not look like it, but we are having a lot...

"It might not look like it, but we are having a lot of fun,"... READ ON

Tanishka R.
Multimedia Journalist

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.

Tanishka R. Multimedia Journalist

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.

Tanishka R.
Multimedia Journalist