Keith and Sharon Wood’s story began in 1958, during their senior year of high school, shortly after Sharon moved back to Ulysses from Wichita. Keith, a lifelong resident of rural Grant County, often stopped by Sturman Drug Store, where Sharon worked at the soda fountain — before it became Cantrell Drug. What started as casual visits after school soon revealed shared friends and an easy connection.
When asked about their first date, Sharon is quick to smile and point out that she did the asking. The occasion was the Sadie Hawkins Dance in the fall of 1958, a dance where tradition is flipped and young women invite their dates. It was a fitting beginning for a partnership built on confidence, mutual respect, and affection.
After graduation, Keith attended college for a semester, and the two wrote letters every day. It didn’t take long for Keith to ask Sharon to marry him. They were wed May 28, 1960, at the Church of God on Nebraska Street. Their family soon grew to include three daughters: Lesha Baker, Longmont, Colo.; Joy Wilbourn, Versailles, MO; and Jill Zablocki, Issaquah, Wash.
When they first married, Keith worked at a service station before joining John Deere in 1962, where he would remain for an impressive 55 years. Sharon reflects on their life together with gratitude, saying she “wouldn’t change a day of it” and has cherished the 65 years she has spent with Keith.
The couple built their home in 1967, a milestone that came with a mortgage payment of $69 — a figure that felt daunting at the time, but one they made work through perseverance and teamwork. Sharon sewed clothing for their daughters and devoted herself to supporting their activities, while Keith proudly noted the girls turned out to be “pretty good runners — but that’s another story.”
After their daughters completed college, Sharon began a 25-year career at Grant County Bank. Along the way, the Woods opened their home and hearts to several foster children, driven by a shared sense of purpose and generosity.
When asked what advice they would offer younger couples, their answer was simple and sincere: “Some people say marriage is 50/50, but you need to give 100 percent — and you have to be able to give.” Sharon added that Keith’s servant’s heart is something she has always been deeply thankful for.
As for anniversaries, the Woods say they never made a habit of big celebrations — for 65 years, they usually just went out to supper. Today, they’re especially grateful for video calling, which allows them to stay connected with their growing family. Together, they share eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
In a world that has changed dramatically since 1958, Keith and Sharon Wood’s marriage stands as a testament to commitment, humility, and love that endures — one day, one supper, and one hundred percent at a time.
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