A long love story
Couple wed more than six decades met as children
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

Many people might consider a 20year marriage an accomplishment. But Roland and Florence Schultz of Camarillo have long since passed that milestone- later this year they'll celebrate 65 years of marriage.

"It never occurred to us to be married to anybody else," Florence, 83, said. "We thought that's how it should be."

"I never found anybody any better," said Roland, 85. "We like each other; I think that helps."

They met eight decades ago, but their memories of that day are clear. Florence was 3 when 5-year-old Roland came to visit with his family.

Their parents were best friends as the two grew up living in the same South Pasadena neighborhood.

But it wasn't until they were teenagers that they took notice of each other. Shy 18-year-old Florence mustered up enough nerve to ask Roland to a school dance. He accepted, and that marked the start of their courtship.

They loved to dance to the big bands at such hot spots as the Hollywood Palladium and the Cocoanut Grove.

Roland and Florence opted for a simple ceremony when they were married on Aug. 28, 1942. While World War II raged and with so many items rationed, they agreed that a large wedding was inappropriate.

NOW AND THEN- Roland and Florence Schultz of Camarillo will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this year. The pair grew up together in the same South Pasadena neighborhood and celebrated their first wedding anniversary in 1943 while Roland was serving in the Army Air Forces during WWII. Because there wasn't anyone available to snap their photo, Roland rigged the camera with a string to take the couple's self-portrait.

Not long thereafter Roland enlisted in the Army Air Forces and was called to active duty a few months later.

He was eventually stationed in England and served as a B17 flight engineer and top turret gunner.

He survived 35 bombing missions over Germany and a forced landing near enemy lines and came home in 1945 to Florence and their infant daughter.

The family settled in Burbank, where they raised four children and Roland found a job with the city. Over the next 36 years, he worked his way up from meter reader to the assistant director of building and safety.

After he retired, they moved to the Mission Oaks area of Camarillo in 1986. They continued playing in a bowling league and Roland played tennis three times a week.

Nine months ago, however, Roland fell and broke his hip. After surgery and an eight-day stay in the hospital, he was moved to a retirement community to recuperate. Florence can only offer him limited help at home while other ailments have complicated his recovery. But she visits him nearly every day.

"He's only four miles away but he might as well be 1,000 miles," Florence said. "It's just not the same for me. We're used to being together."

They both look forward to the day when he can come home.

Florence and Roland have four children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They'll celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this summer.

If you know a Camarillo resident who is celebrating a special anniversary or birthday, please call (805) 484-2403 or email camarillo@theacorn.com.