Cleveland couple celebrates 80 years together

Written in association with the Cleveland Daily Banner.

In a world where the average marriage lasts about eight years, Eldron and Jennie Boehmer stand out as an extraordinary example of enduring love and commitment.

The couple celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on June 24, surrounded by their family and friends.

Jennie and Eldron, known to many as Tuck, met in Cleveland when Jennie was just 14.

Their whirlwind romance led to a spontaneous decision to elope to Rossville, Georgia, on June 24, 1944, after knowing each other for only two weeks.

They were dared by Jennie’s stepsister Margaret, who had just eloped two weeks prior, to get married themselves.

The first justice of the peace they approached refused to marry them, deeming them too young. But the second justice, who appeared to be drunk at the time, agreed to perform the ceremony.

Despite the surprise, Tuck’s father embraced their union, saying, “It’s done, and we are going to make the best of it.”

He offered them a place to stay, demonstrating the family’s support from the beginning.

The 80th anniversary celebration at the home of their daughter, Sherry, was a joyous occasion, marked by a cake decorated with frosting designed to look like oak, symbolizing endurance, strength and solid support — fitting representations of Tuck and Jennie’s marriage.

Five years ago, on their 75th anniversary, they renewed their vows, further solidifying their commitment to each other.

The Boehmers faced challenges early in their marriage, including financial hardships.

“I remember my dad saying to Mother, ‘Do you remember us going through our pockets to see if we could find a dime to pay for milk for the baby?’” their son David recalled.

Despite these struggles, the couple ensured their children were always cared for.

“They always made sure that we had food on the table, and went to church every week,” David said.

Tuck and his father constructed the house they still live in when he was about 20 years old, David said. The Boehmers have lived in that home for approximately 75 years, creating a stable and loving environment for their family.

Jennie worked as a hair stylist and taught beauty school for over 20 years once the children were established in school, while Tuck took on various jobs after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, including at Bradley Hosiery Mill, Lee College and eventually went into business for himself as a “fix-it.”

“Daddy was a jack of all trades, and a master of all,” David said. “Their work ethic and resilience provided a solid foundation for our family.”

Their children, Eldron Jr., 78; David, 76; Sherry Ratcliff, 74; and Rowanda Haney, 71, spoke fondly of their parents’ relationship.

“We never really heard them argue; their marriage was always really strong,” Rowanda said.

The couple’s devotion to each other served as a model for their children. “Sure there were struggles, but they were always devoted to each other,” Rowanda added.

The Boehmers’ commitment to each other has had a lasting impact on their family.

“In the kids’ families now, we are always quick to forgive one another after seeing our parents’ marriage,” David said.

Reflecting on modern relationships, Rowanda observed, “When younger people get married, they want everything right off the bat now.”

As the family celebrated this milestone, David expressed his pride and gratitude. “I feel so proud of them. I can’t take one of them to the doctor or anything like that without telling everyone how old they are and how long they have been married,” he said.

David also shared his optimism for the future, saying, “We are so lucky to still have them alive. We may be celebrating an 85th from the looks of it!”

The couple now has four children, eight grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

The Boehmers’ enduring love and commitment continue to inspire their family and community.

Jennie summed up the secret to their long-lasting marriage simply: “If you just treat your spouse the way you want to be treated, that’s the key.”