CATLETTSBURG —
Kathleen Pennington was only 15 when she met her future husband, Ray, at a dance in Central Park.
“I wasn’t really interested at first,” she said of her 17-year-old suitor.
But in September of this year, they celebrated 72 years of marriage.
Their daughter, Lillian Adams, said her father thought Mrs. Pennington was a little girl because she was so short, but he and a friend walked her and a friend home that night after the dance. From then on, they were a couple.
“He’s the only one I’ve ever gone with,” Mrs. Pennington said. While they were dating, they often went to the park and to the movies on Saturday nights.
After a year of dating, the two were engaged. “He just came out and asked me if I’d marry him,” Mrs. Pennington said. They were married in Mr. Pennington’s house with both of their mothers as witnesses.
Mr. Pennington worked as a glazer for Fannin Glass Co. for 47 1⁄2 years, sometimes working 12 to 14 hour days, seven days a week. Mrs. Pennington is a homemaker and always took care of the family while her husband worked.
After 72 years of marriage, they have one daughter, four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Mrs. Pennington has taken her grandkids to many of their football, basketball and baseball games and band competitions. The couple have even taken them fishing. When Mr. Pennington wasn’t working, he played ball with his grandsons. “We love our grandkids,” Mrs. Pennington said.
When Adams was young, her parents took her on vacations to Florida, North Carolina and lower Kentucky. She said her dad, being the oldest of nine children, was always about family.
Adams said her father, 91, would probably accredit his long life to working hard. “He always told me ‘never turn down no overtime,’” Adams said. Mrs. Pennington, 89, said she has always kept busy and stayed off medication.
When asked why her parents have stayed together for so long, Adams said her dad had said, “I’ve had her all these years, I guess I’ll keep her.” He also said he couldn’t ask for a better woman.
Adams said she has learned from her parents that marriage is not something you can give up on after a few months. Mrs. Pennington said the key to a long marriage is 50⁄50 compromise. As for her and her husband, however, she said, “We’ve just gotten along, that’s it.”
Local News
Related Photos
-
Ray and Kathleen Pennington have been happily married for 72 years. Submitted Photo
Discussion
Finding the love of a lifetime
Catlettsburg couple celebrated 72 years of marriage in September
- Local News
-
-
Raceland to ‘kick off summer’ today
People in downtown Raceland want others to visit the city this afternoon for a community celebration, to catch a glimpse of some of the projects under way and visit a few of the places which give the town its own charm and personality.
-
Not guilty plea in death of Boyd baby
A Powell County teenager accused in the beating death of an infant pleaded not guilty to the charge Friday.
Brett T. Thompson, 18, of Stanton was arraigned Friday in Boyd County Court.
Thompson has been indicted in the death of 2-month-old Alivia Noel Worstell of Westwood. He was the boyfriend of the baby’s mother, Heather Worstell, 19. -
Paul plans re-election bid for Senate
Republican Rand Paul will run for re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2016 regardless of any decision to launch a presidential bid. And he will campaign for his Kentucky colleague and Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in 2014.
-
Area woman’s book collection of aviator grandfather’s technical writings
All her life, Barbara Sellers gave much thought to flight.
-
Musical memories
A new nonprofit group is planning a concert this summer intended to offer a positive social gathering for music lovers.
-
Water main break causes headaches
A water main break in the area of 29th Street and Greenup Avenue has caused headaches for public works employees and water customers in Ashland.
-
MLB exec speaking to Greenup graduates
Greenup County High School graduates are going to hear a little baseball tonight.
-
Span into Ky. likely out of commission through holiday
The Ben Williamson Bridge, closed Thursday morning because of a damaged I-beam, probably will remain closed at least through the Memorial Day holiday, and transportation officials don’t yet know how soon they will be able to reopen it.
-
Students celebrate grandparents
The fellowship hall at Unity Baptist Church was bursting with pride Thursday afternoon.
-
Olive Hill Council holds off on appointments
The Olive Hill Council met in regular session Tuesday night to accept the resignations of former Council members Tony Williams and Angie Johnson Fultz.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raceland to ‘kick off summer’ today
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
