Nutrition center royalty say forgiveness is key

Glen and Kathy Shoemaker, center, were named King and Queen Feb. 11 at the California Nutrition Center's Fun Nite. Members of their court are, left, Bill and Lana Dicus and Skeet and Carol Reeves. Not pictured is J and Eileen Gattemeier.
Glen and Kathy Shoemaker, center, were named King and Queen Feb. 11 at the California Nutrition Center's Fun Nite. Members of their court are, left, Bill and Lana Dicus and Skeet and Carol Reeves. Not pictured is J and Eileen Gattemeier.

Four couples waited at the California Nutrition Center Feb. 11 for an important announcement. This announcement would graduate one deserving couple from civilian status into a much more regal one. But, they just had to wait until the last round of Bingo to know their fate.

After the last numbers were read, Director Kim Drummond proclaimed to the court that a certain Glen and Kathy Shoemaker were the 2019 King and Queen of Fun Nite.

The Shoemakers, who will celebrate a 46-year-long union in May, had their names and picture placed on a jar just inside the nutrition center to await donations, or votes, along with three other couples. Whichever couple collected the most donations won the highest court in all the land.

All together, the center was able to bring in $281.87 this way.

The Shoemakers met in 1970 when Kathy was a sophomore in college. Their first meeting may be a bit unusual, however.

"We were butchering a beef at her house," Glen said. "I always say that when I saw her with that knife, I knew to stand back."

Glen and Kathy always told their children to choose a life partner who has the same "life culture," which is precisely what the Shoemakers did. Glen came from a hog farm, while Kathy was raised on a beef farm.

Forty-six years of farming, coming to mutual agreements and prayer, their marriage was blessed with three children and four grandchildren. The duo has sound advice on how they have managed to build their lives together.

"Just learn to give in," Kathy said. "You have to just kiss and make up. Also, you have to know how to forgive. You don't want to carry that around for a long time."

Glen attributes his good fortune to an even higher power.

"In my 20s, I prayed to God for a good woman," he said. "I wanted someone with good morals, which I also have, and who didn't curse, which I also don't. So, really, Kathy is just what I asked for."