Love Never Fails 68 Years Hand in Hand

Love Never Fails

68 Years Hand in Hand

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

  Some love stories are written in fairytales. Others are forged through decades of devotion, laughter, and a steadfast faith that holds firm through life’s ups and downs. The latter is the story of Eulas and Betty Hayes—a love that began on a pair of roller skates and continues, unwavering, nearly seven decades later.

Local photographer Gabrielle Sloas of Gabrielle Sloas Photography recently captured what she calls one of the most meaningful photoshoots of her career. “This one was close to my heart,” Gabrielle shared. “Because it’s the love story of my grandparents.” It’s a story that proves, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that the Lord indeed has a soulmate for each of us. As it says in Proverbs 18:22, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

It all began in 1954 at the Black’s Skating Rink on Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Kentucky. Betty, who wasn’t technically allowed to be there since the rink was rented for Boyd County students, had an inside connection. “I was good friends with Mr. Black, the owner,” she laughed. “So, I was there every night.” Eulas, a Boyd County boy, showed up—and the rest, as they say, is history.

“We started dating on the first night,” Betty beamed. “We skated and talked all night.” Though they both chuckle now that neither can remember their very first words to each other, they both remember the feeling—it was the beginning of something eternal. Eulas adds, “I knew she was the one the moment I saw her.” Love at first sight? Maybe. Divine design? Absolutely.

Eulas graduated from Boyd County in 1955. Betty jokes, “He had to come all the way to Ashland to find a good girl!” By 1958, the couple was married. Since then, they’ve built a full life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. They’ve raised six daughters, all of whom grew up witnessing the kind of love most only dream of. Betty came from a family of eight children; Eulas, from a family of five. So it felt natural to build a big family of their own.

They’ve seen decades come and go, and through it all, their love remained steady. Betty worked for the local telephone company, while Eulas devoted himself to both his country and his community—serving in the U.S. Marines and working for Kentucky Electric Power Supply. When asked what he's most proud of in life, Eulas doesn’t point to medals or accomplishments. Instead, he says, “Next month will mark 335 pints of blood I’ve donated.” His life has been one of service—quiet, generous, and unwavering.

So, what’s the secret to a love that lasts 68 years? Eulas and Betty don’t hesitate. “Always be truthful with one another,” they advise. “Love deeply and never argue in front of the kids.” They warn against jealousy and distrust—two things they believe can unravel even the strongest of bonds.

Their wisdom doesn’t stop with marriage advice. For their grandchildren and future generations, they offer this timeless guidance: “Always be honest. Keep your word. Pay your bills. Be good. Love God. And always stand for what’s right.”

Indeed, their love reflects what 1 Corinthians 13:7 teaches: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Eulas and Betty’s story is a living testimony to the power of God-ordained love—a love that endures, uplifts, and blesses all who witness it.

Perhaps the most touching part of this story is Gabrielle's own reflection as the one behind the lens. “I have to say, I’m so proud to be their granddaughter. I love them both so much.” She went on to add, "We lived with my granny and papaw for the longest time when we were little, witnessing the good and the bad together just brought us 10x closer. Honestly there’s no words to match up the love I have for them. It’s just something else to witness a love as pure as there’s! I always got told, Put the Lord above all always be faithful and true to him and you’ll have everything you need! I trust and believe in that whole heartedly! I’m proud and thankful for them!”

There’s something profound about a couple who have danced through life together for nearly 70 years, still holding hands, still smiling with the joy of their very first skate. Their story isn’t just a reminder that soulmates exist; it’s a declaration that love, when built on faith, truth, and deep respect, can stand the test of time.

So, whether you’re waiting on your soulmate or celebrating your own forever, remember the story of Eulas and Betty Hayes. Love is real. Love is lasting. And as Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” When God is at the center, even a simple night at a skating rink can become the beginning of forever.