An Ohio couple shows everyone the meaning of 'til death do us part, as they died 11 hours apart after more than 65 years of marriage together.
It's a love story that could be right out of a Nicholas Sparks' novel.
According to the Dayton Daily News, Harold and Ruth Knapke died in the nursing home room they shared together on Aug.11. The couple would have celebrated their 66 years of marriage a few days later.
"A photo taken this summer shows him lying in a bed, arm stretched through a guardrail to hold her hand, as she leans in to press the top of her head to his," the Daily News reports.
Their love story reportedly began when Ruth became Harold's pen pal during World War II. The Daily News reports Ruth would joke about their courtship saying, "I let him chase me until I caught him!"
Ruth was madly in love with Harold, who upon returning from serving his country became a teacher, coach and athletic director at Fort Recovery Schools.
Harold was the first to die, and Ruth followed his lead. Their daughters told the Daily News it was their father's "final act of love."
"We believe he wanted to accompany her out of this life and into the next one, and he did," Margaret Knapke said.
The couple raised six children while loving each other to the very end.
"When she was ailing, he blessed her each night with holy water," daughter Pat Simon said.
The daughters of Harold and Ruth held a joint funeral for the couple, honoring their commitment and love for each other during their life together.
"It is really just a love story," said Carol Romie, another daughter. "They were so committed and loyal and dedicated, they weren't going to go anywhere without the other one."
