Patricia Richards Ellis and Julie Richards Boshers would like to announce the upcoming 70th wedding anniversary of their parents, Donald Ray “Short” Richards and Shirley Blevins Richards, on August 27.

Short and Shirley were married at high noon on Saturday, Aug. 27, 1955, at the Sallisaw Courthouse. The following Monday, they took off for California where they would live with Shirley’s older sister, Mary Lou Blevins Risley and her husband, Donald Risley, while Short worked at a saw mill in Rio Del.

They stayed in California for a few months before deciding to move to North Tulsa in the fall of 1955, on Woodrow Street, where they welcomed their first daughter, Patricia Ann, on July 4, 1956, right before celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

Short began a career as a trim carpenter where his success made it possible to build a new home for his family. The 11th Street house was the home they brought their second daughter, Julie Dawn, home to in January 1964.

The couple travelled back to Vian and the Blackgum community every weekend to visit both sides of the family. After living in Tulsa for over 10 years, they decided it was time to come back home to Vian.

Short and his brotherin- law Neal Sykes built Shirley her new home in Blackgum right next to her parents, Oda and Lester Blevins and across the highway from her twin sister, Verley Sykes, and sister Mary Lou, who had also moved back from California. Short and Shirley moved into their new ranch style home in 1966 and Short continues to live there today.

As the years continued to roll past, Short built a cabinet shop where he became well-known as a custom cabinet maker. Lots of people in the Vian, Tenkiller Lake and surrounding areas, if asked today, “Who built your cabinets?” would likely say, “Short Richards.”

He built Patricia’s house in the late 1970’s, customizing her cabinets and trim. He built cabinets for 32 years until about 1987, then retired and sold the cabinet shop. He came out of retirement in 1990 to build Julie a custom fireplace mantle, trim out her windows, and build custom closets for her new home in Bixby.

Shortly after, he took a job working for the Sequoyah County Water Association. He continues to work for them 38 years later.

Shirley stayed home with their daughters and made sure they had the best clothes in their closets. She was an excellent seamstress and sewed most of their clothing; everything from school clothes, prom dresses and cheerleading uniforms, to Patricia’s wedding gown that had hundreds of seed pearls that she hand sewed on. She had made it all, including the veil.

Around 1982, Shirley and her sisters, Verley and Mary Lou, would open up the only fabric store for miles, Granny’s Thimble, in Vian. Not long after opening, their younger sister, Linda, also came to work with the sisters. People from all over the world participated in their unique Quilt Block of the Month Club. Sadly, all but Shirley have gone on to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As the years continued, Short and Shirley would welcome their first granddaughter, Heather A. Stewart Hart, who would be their only grandchild for the next 16 years. In 1992, they had a second granddaughter, Kinsley H. Swepston. Then in 1996, their first grandson would arrive, Donald Raye Boshers III, who was nicknamed Trey Boy by his Papa and Nanny.

Then in 2000, Brooks M. Boshers, and in 2006, Brady J. Boshers. They also have three greatgrandchildren, Nathaniel Hart, Bryleigh Hart and Kollyns Rice.

Short and Shirley have been blessed beyond their 88 years. Short turned 88 on June 30 and continues to work, reading water meters, and does all the mowing and weed eating at Box Cemetery. Shirley also turned 88 on Aug. 7.

If you would like to catch up or have a short visit, you will find Short sitting with Shirley at the Vian Nursing Home, Room 503, every day for lunch and dinner.

Seventy years of marriage, the Platinum Year, is an accomplishment most people don’t get to experience, and some people don’t even live that long. As they approach their wedding date, Patricia and Julie would love it if you could stop by the Vian Nursing Home on Aug. 27 for cake and an informal celebration.

If you can’t make it but would like to send your well wishes, the address is 96915 S. 4513 RD, Vian, OK 74962. Short’s cell number is 918-776-4482 if you would like to call.