Tulsa Couple Celebrates 70 Years Together

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Forgive and forget, and never go to bed angry with one another. Those are two secrets to a long and happy marriage according to Ruth Shaw.

Ruth and Al Shaw renewed their wedding vows on Wednesday, on their 70th wedding anniversary.

"According to my marriage license, I'm a year older than I really am," said Ruth Shaw.

That's because she fibbed a little about her age so they could elope. She was still in high school.

"My Dad's advice was: you can get married if you promise you'll not get pregnant before you graduate," Ruth said.

They got married February 3, 1940. Al was 24. Ruth was 17, and like many marriages of young people folks said it wouldn't last.

"Yes, they said she's too young to know what she's doing," Al said.

"I guess, the Lord and us showed 'em didn't we?" Ruth said.

"Yeah, we fooled 'em. -we fooled a lot of 'em," Al agreed.

They lived in all over the country and raised three kids. He worked in the aviation industry, built planes for World War II, and finished his career helping build the engines that powered the Apollo astronauts into space.

"It's been wonderful all through the years," Ruth said.

People are curious about their secret, and Ruth wasn't shy at all about sharing.

"Forgive and forget, and never bring it up again," she said.

She said never go to bed or leave the house angry - get the issue settled then kiss and make up.

Is the couple planning a second honeymoon?

Ruth Shaw said a second honeymoon after 70 year would consist of a little TV and a good night's sleep.

The couple renewed their wedding vows Wednesday evening in front of family and friends at the Broadmoor Retirement Community.