"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also
acknowledge him before the angels of God." - Jesus
Interview with the Romine’s
Feb. 15, 2008
Pastor Dave: Greetings Ron
and Joyce, from our online community at www.cantoneastsidenaz.org
Ron and Joyce: We are so glad the church has picked
us and is so nice to us. Eastside is a friendly church, we feel at home there.
Pastor Dave: Alright, let’s
start with something easy, where were you each born and raised. Ron, we will
start with you.
Ron: I was born in Banner, born at home. A doctor by
the name of Dr. Vit came in and delivered me. A lot of people were born out in
the country back then. I was born in 1935, I had 3 brothers, and I was the
youngest of the family.
Joyce: I was born at Graham Hospital in 1939. I
had one sister and I was the youngest of the family.
PD: Where did you go to
school growing up?
Ron: Banner grade school up to 8th grade.
There were 2 grocery stores and a gas station.
Joyce: I went to Canton schools for grade school, jr.
high, and high school. I remember the square and all the stores up there. Cardosies
ice cream is one of the places I remember.
PD: What was your first job?
Ron: I thought I was going to be a farmer, but when I
was old enough to start a farm, it was too expensive. So, International
Harvester was hiring so I came in and got a job there in March 1955. I worked
there from 1955 to 1985. When they closed here in Canton, I had 27
years service in Canton and had
the opportunity to transfer to Springfield, OH. I got my
final 3 years of 30 years, then came back to Canton and
retired. After I retired, a guy by the name of Bill Ripper called me and needed
some part time help in farming. So, I did go out and work for him for about 3
years.
Joyce: I was a babysitter at the age of 12. My aunt
was a school teacher and my grandma was blind. When my aunt was gone to
classes, I was to go and stay with my grandma Post and take care of her.
PD: When did you guys meet?
Joyce: We met in 1954 through some friends. They
introduced us to each other and we hit it off right from the beginning.
Ron: We got married on July 30th, 1955 at the First Baptist Church in Canton. We had
dated for about a year. Right after we got married, I started to say something,
she pointed towards the door and said go over there and shut up. We have got
along great ever since then.
PD: Ron, how did you
propose?
Ron: It was at Joyce’s house, I just asked her “why
don’t we get married”?
PD: So Ron says why don’t we
get married, what was your response Joyce?
Joyce: I said “I guess”, so he went up to Rickerts Jewelry
Store and got a ring.
PD: When did you first come
into a relationship with Jesus Christ?
Ron: I have been a believer since I was a small boy,
at the age of at least 7 or 8. I used to go to the little church in Banner.
This minister put on a drive to invite friends, so I invited a bunch of kids to
come. 12-15 of them came in, so I was the one who invited the most people that
showed up. I won a new Bible. I still have it to this day.
Joyce: I have always gone to Sunday School and
church. When I was around 12 I started to realize the importance of a personal
relationship. I started out at the Methodist Church in Bryant
when I was little, then to the Church of the Brethren, and then to First Baptist Church down the
road.
PD: What is your favorite
restaurant?
Ron: For something that is close, it is Monical’s
Pizza.
Joyce: Me too!!
PD: I heard a rumor that
Joyce tried to do some remodeling one day
Joyce: My friend and I decided we were going to
wallpaper. We had good intentions, but part of the plaster started falling. So,
I took off a little bit more and we ran into a hole. I told her it would be
nice if I had this wall knocked out, so I went and got the sludge hammer to
help the plaster come down. Next thing I knew, half the wall was down, but I
ran into the chimney and didn’t know what to do. It was almost time for Ron to
come home, so my friend high tailed out of here.
PD: So then what did you do
Joyce?
Joyce: So, I called my sister to see if she would
come over, but after telling her what happened, she wouldn’t come over. Then
Ron came home and was a little surprised to see the wall missing.
Ron: I was surprised; I said “what have you guys been
doing”?
Joyce: If the church ever needs some walls taken
down, I can do it!
PD: In July, you have been
married for 53 years, what are some highlights?
Ron: Our children being born.
Joyce: We had two. They are pretty well behaved, our
son was a little ornery, but they were pretty good. Our daughter Debbie is the
oldest, and our son Doug was born in 64.
Joyce: Five years after we were married, we went to Branson, MO for our
honeymoon. We had a wonderful time.
PD: Is there anything else
you would like to share with us?
Joyce: We have 3 grandchildren and 2 great
grandchildren that we are proud of and love dearly. We have enjoyed you and
Amber, Amber a little more though. (Hahaha, both laughing)
PD: Thank you both so much
for allowing me to come here today.
