They began as childhood friends, growing up less than a mile apart in Buena. Over the years, Bill Silvers and Hazel Leuning were Toppenish High School sweethearts. The couple, who married on June 18, 1934, celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary last week.
Bill’s sister, Carmen, was Hazel’s best friends growing up and they spent a lot of time together.
“We have known each other since we were babies,” Hazel said.
Bill said he was attracted to Hazel because he knew “she’ll be solid.”
“He was tall,” said Hazel about her future husband, who still stands at 6’2”. Hazel is a feisty five-foot even. “I had to look up to him all these years,” she added with a smile.
The couple was married shortly after Hazel graduated from Toppenish High School in 1934. Hazel was 18, and Bill was 21.
The pair worked together in local fruit warehouses before they began farming on their own in 1951. Over the years they grew peaches, pears, apples and cherries. While raising fruit on their 40-acre farm, the Silvers’ patented their own “Silver Spur” red delicious apple tree. They held the patent for seven years. At the time, the Silver Spur was known as the “firmest, sweetest red delicious” in the Valley.
Bill said he never grew tired of working in his orchard, but after 40 years of growing fruit in the Yakima Valley, they retired in 1992. However, they still live in the original house on the ranch they purchased in 1950. Along with their fruit, they also raised two daughters, Carolyn Jewett who lives in Woodinville and Janet Gill of Kirkland.
Bill was an active member of the Grange. After retiring from the warehouse, Hazel also worked for several years at the Courthouse. She was also a top student in Dale Carnegie courses. The couple was active for many years in local square dancing clubs and played pinochle. Hazel has always enjoyed sewing and Bill is famous for his fly-tying skills.
Bill often told his family he wanted to see Mt. Rushmore. Janet said 10 years ago their family traveled through the Black Hills of South Dakota to Keystone so her father could fulfill his lifelong dream.
Bill and Hazel have been members of Parker Heights Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years. According to Hazel, their faith has been a key component in a strong, lasting marriage.
“Live each day, look forward and don’t go back to the past,” is advice Hazel often gives to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
During a special church service on Sunday, June 21, Parker Heights pastor Nick Valadez presented the couple will a plaque honoring them and their 75 years together.
There was a special candle lighting ceremony during the church service. Fifteen small tea light candles represented the couple’s great-grandchildren, six votive candles represented their six grandchildren, two large tape candles served as the couple’s two daughters while a large unity candle in the center of the table represented Bill and Hazel.
“This one large candle led to many,” Valadez said. “We are so honored to be a part of this special day. You both light up the world and served to light up those around you.”
With both in their 90’s, they have slowed down their lifestyle, but they continue to enjoy one another, life amid their orchard and especially time together with their family.
“They grew up here and never left the Valley,” said Carolyn.