Bob Neuman
“We met at a dance at our “Rec,” said Ruth, “and Paul walked me home and gave me a kiss. I remember walking into my house and telling Mother I was in love.” When asked about his thoughts on the subject, Paul replied, “She was gorgeous but had a squeaky voice.” “Only around him,” says Ruth.
Born in 1943 and attending the same school, Paul and Ruth Carlson have never been apart since that walk in the snow. Awaiting their 55th anniversary in June, it is evident they are still quite enamored with each other. There are three daughters and two granddaughters. “I even had four sisters myself,” said Ruth.
Both 20 when married, it was necessary to have Paul’s parents sign the marriage license. Also, Illinois law required a boy to be 21 to consume alcohol, but a girl need be only18.
Active in high school, Ruth was in the marching and concert bands, drum and bugle corps, accordion band, church choir and school chorus. “I think my parents wanted to keep me busy so I wouldn’t get into trouble.”
She has worked at the switchboard, a receptionist, a typist and helped Paul in his work. In 1964, she became a full-time mom.
Paul, however, was more interested in hands-on auto mechanics three hours a day. Later, he was an apprentice in tool and die.
For business and health, in 1973 they left Illinois for Chandler. They recall the small population, cotton fields, dirt roads and many dairies. Paul began work in a tool and dye shop where he became vice president and remained for 30 years. He designed and built parts for the Space Shuttle and Space Station, like the 8-foot boom and jet rings, rocket launchers for the Apache helicopter, starter housings for the B562 bomber and navy gauges … and much more hardware for the military. The owner and he became friends and still meet for lunch after all these years.
He laughs about the time he obtained a job while snooping in a shop’s trash to see what they made. The owner arrived and hired him.
No grass has ever grown under the feet of this couple. They both owned motorcycles, had boats, camped, skied and traveled. Paul has earned many trophies in competition with his RC guided model airplanes. He still is a golfer and does “honey do” work for Ruth.
Her litany of things she likes is quilting for Blankets for Kids, lunches with dear friends, going to SunBird dances and spending time with her family.
Ruth and Paul have traveled to Germany, Austria, Alaska and Hawaii, but they prefer the USA. That list includes sometimes camping at Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Mt. Rushmore, Zion, Bryce and San Francisco. “We even visited the Mormon Tabernacle and heard the choir practice,” said Ruth. They now rent a Pinetop condo to stay cool in August.
Both agree that SunBird was the best move they ever made. “Living here is like being blessed with a large extended family.”
Well, Mr. and Mrs. Carlson, no one could enter your home without feeling a warm welcome and realizing that love is alive and well.