Just for a moment try not to be a bitter, twisted, hate spewing apostate and read this......
Scottsdale pair to celebrate 75th
By Erin Concors, Tribune
Jerry and Crystal Baxter still look back on their first major argument as newlyweds and laugh.
It was 1930, and while money was tight, Crystal couldn?t resist buying a $90 radio on credit from a door-to-door salesman.
Jerry protested the purchase. "I was raised with the idea of not being in debt for something," he said. "If we wanted something, we paid cash for it."
Crystal returned the radio, and Jerry took her to a local Sears, where he bought her a similar radio for $30.
The Scottsdale couple reflected on that and other memories Friday in their Scottsdale home, where Sunday they will quietly celebrate their 75th anniversary, receiving calls and visits from friends. The Baxters said their faith as Jehovah?s Witnesses and shared belief in the Bible have been their keys to a strong marriage.
"We?ve been loyal to each other, and that?s a very, very important trait," said Crystal, 91. "My husband has been very kind and has always treated me with respect."
The couple met in 1929 in Cleveland. Crystal, then 16, was working as a dental assistant by day and finishing high school at night. Jerry, 19, worked for Shell Oil Co. training gas station attendants.
Jerry, now 94, rented an apartment with his sister on the second floor of the home owned by Crystal?s parents. Her mother made an effort to introduce the couple, she said.
"When I first met him, I had just cleaned the house, and I was down on my knees scrubbing the fireplace," Crystal said. "Suddenly there he was ? in a beautiful overcoat, derby hat, pigskin gloves and spats."
The pair began dating and soon were inseparable. The couple said their parents initially opposed the marriage, but Crystal?s mother eventually consented.
In 1947, the Baxters moved to Phoenix, where Jerry took a job with Arizona Public Service Co. leading a paint crew. They moved to Scottsdale in 1958 and helped found the first Kingdom Hall of Jehovah?s Witnesses there in 1960.
Longtime friend Rosanna Huffines met the couple in 1958, when at age 7, she moved with her parents and siblings to Arizona from New Jersey. The Baxters became like surrogate grandparents to her, she said.
"They definitely have been an example for me," Huffines said. "They?re loving, caring people."
The Baxters have outlived their two sons. David died of a heart attack at 60, and Jerome died of cancer at 55. They have six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.