Love and death: Husband and Wife Die Holding Hands Within Hours of Each Other After 67 Years of Marriage

In a touching testament to enduring love, Floyd and Violet Hartwig, who were married for nearly seven decades, passed away within hours of each other while holding hands at their home in Easton, California. Their story is a poignant reminder of a love that transcended time and even death.

Love and death: Husband and Wife Die Holding Hands Within Hours of Each Other After 67 Years of Marriage childhood sweethearts who spent their lives inseparable from one another. Their journey together began in August 1947 when they married while Floyd was on leave from the Navy following World War II. During his time away, their bond only grew stronger through an exchange of 131 letters over two years. Floyd’s affection for Violet was evident in these letters, with one poignant note saying, “I heard our song this evening and it sure did make me homesick for you. Honey, did you ever get a record of it? I certainly hope so as I want to listen to it and have you in my arms at the same time.”

The couple settled on a 20-acre ranch, where they raised their three children and lived as farmers. Despite the challenges they faced, including Floyd’s battles with colon and bladder cancer and Violet’s struggle with dementia and multiple strokes, their love and dedication to each other only grew stronger. Donna Scharton, their daughter, shared that even in his failing health, Floyd’s primary concern was for Violet’s well-being. He would often tell doctors, “I’m OK but I want her fixed.”

Up until January 2015, just a month before their passing, Floyd and Violet lived independently. However, Floyd’s health deteriorated rapidly due to kidney failure, and he was given only two weeks to live. At the same time, Violet’s condition worsened significantly, prompting their children, Donna, Kenneth, and Carol, to make the difficult decision to admit both parents into hospice care.

Two days after their admission to hospice, Floyd and Violet returned home, lying side by side on two hospital beds that had been pushed together. This arrangement allowed them to spend their final moments in each other’s arms, just as they had wished.

On February 11, 2015, Floyd passed away while holding Violet’s hand, and she followed him just five hours later. Their daughter Donna expressed that this was exactly how her parents wanted their lives to conclude. “We felt blessed because we know that is what they wanted,” she said. “When we went to the funeral home and saw the two caskets, it was meant to be and that was the only way it could end.”

The Hartwigs’ love story is not just about the years they spent together but also about the profound connection that kept them united until the very end. Their unwavering commitment and deep affection for each other serve as an inspiring example of true love and devotion.

Throughout their marriage, Floyd and Violet demonstrated an extraordinary level of dedication and care. They faced life’s challenges hand-in-hand, supporting each other through illness and hardship. Their children witnessed this steadfast bond, particularly during the final months of their parents’ lives. Donna recalls how, despite his own severe health issues, Floyd’s focus remained on Violet, showcasing a selflessness that defined their relationship.

The couple’s life on the ranch was filled with hard work and mutual support. They farmed their land together, raised their children, and navigated the ups and downs of life as a team. Their love story, enriched by small acts of kindness and grand gestures of love, resonates with many who have heard it.

Floyd and Violet’s story has touched countless hearts, serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of true love. Their tale is a celebration of a life lived together, a partnership that faced adversity with grace and an unbreakable bond. The Hartwigs’ love and devotion to one another remain a beacon of hope and inspiration, illustrating that true love endures through all of life’s trials and triumphs

In an era where such enduring partnerships seem rare, the story of Floyd and Violet Hartwig stands out as a testament to what it means to love deeply and unconditionally. Their final wish to leave this world together was fulfilled, bringing a sense of closure to a beautiful love story that spanned nearly 70 years