At Holly Creek, love stories don’t just span decades, they span generations. This Valentine’s season, we sat down with three remarkable couples who have each been married more than 60 years. Their stories are filled with laughter, faith, friendship, compromise and a whole lot of grace.
Here’s what Ken and Priscilla Stenman, Reg and Phyllis Holmes, and Ken and Betty Detwiller shared about building marriages that last, and why Holly Creek became part of their next chapter.
Ken and Priscilla Stenman: Respect, Independence and Peace of Mind
Ken and Priscilla (Cil) Stenman’s story began at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. They met in a historic campus building where both were serving on the representative assembly. One evening, Ken walked Priscilla home to her dorm — and they talked so long she broke curfew. Ice cream dates followed, along with attending the same church in Davenport, Iowa.
What made Priscilla think Ken might be “the one”? “He was genuinely interested in what I did,” she recalls.
This August, they’ll celebrate 67 years of marriage, along with two daughters, one son, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
So, what’s their secret? “We discovered we each had different interests, and we had to respect those interests,” Ken says. During Ken’s years as a senior pastor and Priscilla’s teaching career, which included traveling to California, Chicago and Colorado to explore Waldorf education, they supported one another’s callings. They even developed a “calendar check,” regularly sitting down to coordinate their busy schedules and stay connected.
Ken, who officiated many weddings, often reminds couples that conflict is normal. “If someone says they’ve never been angry, they don’t know each other well enough,” he says. The key, they agree, is kindness and forgiveness.
Nearly 13 years ago, their children gently prompted them to consider retirement living. After thoughtful conversations and planning, they chose Holly Creek. Today, they say it was one of the best decisions they’ve made. “Our kids thank us,” Ken shares. “They think of us, but they don’t worry about us.”
For the Stenmans, Holly Creek offers not just low-maintenance living, but peace of mind, for themselves and their family.
Reg and Phyllis Holmes: Community and Connection
Reg and Phyllis Holmes met at Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio at the campus coffee shop, affectionately known as “The Boiler Room.” A first date during pledge week led to a bold declaration just 10 days later. On a walk together, Reg told Phyllis he was going to marry her. She laughed and said, “Sure you are.” Sixty-seven years later, that youthful confidence has certainly stood the test of time.
Their family includes two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When asked about the foundation of their marriage, they point to respect and compromise.
“We respect one another and the choices we make,” Reg says. They’ve balanced individual interests with shared commitments, especially in church life. “Sometimes it’s more important to give way to keep the marriage in shape,” he adds.
Humor has always helped. Reg keeps a lighthearted list of “what was said” versus “what was heard,” a playful nod to the realities of communication. Phyllis sums up their advice in three simple words: “Listen, yield and laugh.”
The Holmeses settled into their Holly Creek apartment just one year ago. Friends who already lived here introduced them to the community, and that connection made all the difference.
At first, their children needed time to adjust to the idea. Now, they’re completely comfortable and grateful. For Reg and Phyllis, Holly Creek offers what they value most: friendship, faith-centered connections and a vibrant community of peers. They’re especially impressed by how many other long-married couples call Holly Creek home.
“Being surrounded by people with similar life experiences is a blessing,” they say.
Ken and Betty Detwiller: Energy, Faith and Family Nearby
Ken and Betty Detwiller’s love story began at the University of Arizona. A friend insisted Ken would be “perfect” for Betty. The couple met at the end of their freshman year when Ken invited Betty to a fraternity desert “Boondoggle,” a beer-bash party held in the middle of nowhere.
Betty admitted she didn’t like beer. Ken smiled and said he didn’t either. “I’ll bring Cokes.” They talked all night.
They were married three days after graduation and will soon celebrate 63 years of marriage.
Their journey included seven moves, often tied to Ken’s work, and “almost every move brought a new child,” Betty jokes. Today, they have three daughters and seven grandchildren, five of whom live within five minutes of them.
Their marriage has been grounded in compatibility, strong faith and shared joy in raising a family. “You’ve got to always be talking to each other,” Ken says. Betty adds her practical wisdom: “Sometimes it’s best to pause before speaking.”
Nearly 11 years ago, they began exploring retirement living. They already knew a Holly Creek resident, which made the transition feel personal and welcoming. But what truly sealed the decision was the feeling they experienced when they walked through the doors. “We felt energy,” they recall. “It was the place for us.”
Today, they live in a cottage home and are active members of the community, even hosting gatherings for fellow residents. For them, Holly Creek offers the perfect balance: independence, vibrancy and the comfort of being close to family.
A Community Where Love Continues to Grow
Across all three couples, common themes shine through: respect for individuality, strong faith, humor, forgiveness, good listening and daily communication. But another shared thread stands out as well: intentional planning for the future. Each couple chose to move to Holly Creek to embrace the next stage of life on their own terms.
Their stories remind us that lasting love isn’t about perfection; it’s about commitment, kindness, and choosing each other again and again. And at Holly Creek, these couples prove that when you build a life on shared values and mutual respect, the best chapters may still be ahead.
