WWII Veteran Couple Pass Away Hours Apart after 70 Years of Marriage: 'Forever Together'

A Veteran couple from Virginia had a love story for the ages. The lovebirds met on a blind date decades ago but had to put their relationship on hold because of World War II. However, they found their way back to each other—until the end.

Isabell Whitney and Preble Staver fell in love more than seven decades ago. They helped their country during the war, with Isabell working as a nurse in Maryland and Preble serving as a Marine.

A few months after the war, they reconnected and tied the knot on February 15, 1946. It was the beginning of a lifetime together, and while they faced many tragedies, the couple never went back on their marital vows.

They Faced a Devastating Tragedy

Throughout their marriage, Isabell and Preble had five children who became the apple of their eye. Like many parents, they were proud of their brood and looked forward to seeing them reach their potential.

The couple was dealt a devastating blow in 1975 when their beloved son, Peter, passed away. His death came while he was in the prime of his life. Peter died while playing his final high school football game in Naples, Florida.

The tragedy shocked Isabell and Preble, but they refused to let it harm their marriage. Their daughter Laurie Staver Clinton said:

"Something like that can either tear a couple apart, but they made a pact to get through it together. They really were each other’s support team."

The Husband's Heartwarming Wish

Laurie shared something special her parents did after Isabell was diagnosed with dementia. While the illness was challenging, it didn't affect their feelings for each other—whenever they wanted to affirm their affection, they held hands and declared just how much they loved each other.

The one-of-a-kind story touched people's hearts, and many users admitted they longed to have a love like Isabell and Preble's.

In 2017, near the end of his life, Preble felt his time with Isabell was drawing to a close. Shortly before he passed away, the doting husband had one heartwarming request.

Their Final Moments Together

Preble was about to turn 96 and, as a present, asked for a final nap with his precious wife. Instinct told Preble he was sharing one of his last moments with Isabell, and he was right.

The couple slept on the same bed for three hours, which meant the world to them. Their daughter recalled their unforgettable final nap together:

"There was not a single word spoken between the two of them. They held hands and just fell asleep. I told dad, 'This is mom’s birthday present for you.' He was just so happy that he got to take his nap with her."

A few days later, Isabell passed away, and her death broke Preble's heart. Fourteen hours later, the devoted husband also took his last breath. In life and death, they were happy as long as they could be together.

The Online Response

The one-of-a-kind story touched people's hearts, and many users admitted they longed to have a love like Isabell and Preble's. Netizens also stated how lucky the lovebirds were to have found each other and spent so many years together:

"Amen. Thank you for serving our country. Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends."

- (Shar Fish) May 8, 2022

"We should be so lucky to have a love like that and leave this world together to start in another world together."

- (Kathy Stevens) May 8, 2022

"My parents passed last year three days apart after being in hospice at home side-by-side in their bedroom for just over five weeks. They were married for 65 years. It was a time that is etched in my heart."

- (Cheryl Crawford) May 8, 2022

"Forever Together. What bliss and what joy to dance and laugh and sometimes cry through life together as a girl and boy. To marry and have seventy years of life ... Rest in peace beautiful people."

- (Paulene Johnson) May 9, 2022

"To the families of the wonderful couple, please accept my prayers for you all. May they be in heaven watching over you until you meet again!"

- (Martha Spring) May 10, 2022

Many people only dream about the bond and lifelong commitment Isabell and Preble shared. They lived a blessed life and went on to spend eternity together in heaven.

Click here to read about one couple's secret to a long-lasting marriage. They were wed for 79 happy years and never had any quarrels!