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Maple Crest residents were royally surprised at their 2013 Valentine gala to learn there was a tie for the honored position of Valentine king and queen. 

Ernest and Naomi Bosse and Carl and Claralice Wolf were the elected couples this year, becoming the second king and queen tie since the Valentine tradition began at Maple Crest 10 years ago. 

Adding to the Valentine Court was Miriam Rumsey, elected as the 2013 Ms. Congeniality. The court was serenaded with sounds on the harp by Katie Conrad from Bluffton University.
 
There were other surprises at the Valentine gala.  One surprise was discovering that Luther and Geneva Shetler were the Maple Crest couple married the longest – 72 years this past December.  The two each shared a one-phrase secret to their lasting marriage.  Geneva said, “never go to bed angry,” and Luther said, “learn early that your wife knows best.” 

A second surprise was an unexpected timed competition between Phyllis Suter and Gladys Simmons to match famous couples together.  Phyllis won by mere seconds.  And, finally, three duplex couples surprised the audience by participating in a “Not-So-Newly-wed Game Show.” 

Clarence and Mary Ann Kooker, Oliver and Patricia Lugibihl, and Burton and Elnore Yost were good sports as they pondered questions like: “Men, what would you say is the one thing your wife nags you about the most,” or “Ladies, what was the color and make and model of your first car together.”  Kookers won first place and, happily, no couple appeared to need to be reminded about Geneva Shetler’s marriage advice.
 
Volunteers helped to make this special event possible. The royal decorations were arranged by Marilyn Shelly and Sandy Schroll, tables were set by Lucille Bucher, and servers and party assistants included Jerry and Betty Burkholder, Katie Conrad, Amber Henry and Louise Matthews (who stepped in as photographer). 

Valentine candy pockets, that served as door prizes, were created by Pat Althaus, Joyce Barga, Vivian Brown, Betty Burkholder, Betty Cass, Betty Cookson, Jo Ann Hilty, Hazel Rodabaugh, Geneva Shetler, Geraldine Sullivan-Clark, and Matilda Taylor.