Vera May and Bob relate 'how to find love in the golden years'

Saturday, October 1, 2011
Vera-May and Bob Farber have been friends since their early twenties and have been happily married for almost fourteen years. The two have recently co-written a book together, "Youth to Golden Age", about their journey to find love.

Greencastle's own Vera May Kierstead-Farber has written her fourth and final book, "Youth to Golden Age." The book covers the incredible love story between two best friends who have known each other for nearly 71 years.

After receiving many requests to write a book about the story of her love life and incredible journey with Bob Farber, she began the writing process, which took nearly five years.

"I wanted to write the story because it would encourage people in lonely situations," Vera May said. "It's kind of an unusual story."

The book begins with Vera May, newly graduated from DePauw University, deciding where her life will lead and the beginning of a lifelong friendship, with her now-husband, Bob.

The two met after graduation and quickly progressed to a friendship. From there the two decided marriage wasn't an option, as both wanted to further their careers before settling down.

After several years of separation, the two both ended up marrying different people. But both still kept in touch over the years.

"We both married somebody else," Bob said this week. "But, we never gave up our friendship."

Vera May went on to marry a man named Roger Hamilton, whom she met while visiting a friend in Massachusetts. The two were together for nearly 50 years until a series of strokes forced him into a nursing home, where he eventually passed away.

Bob, on the other hand, married a woman by the name of Edna Earl. The couple had two children during that time.

Shortly after both spouses passed away, the two old friends would run into each other at community events around Greencastle and Putnam County. After 71 years of friendship, Vera May and Bob decided to marry in June 1998.

"I just kept bumping into him," Vera May said. "I never even thought we would get married. It was just something that happened."

The couple are now happily married for nearly 14 years, and after all these years the two are just happy to be next to each other day after day.

"It really is just a wonderful story," Vera said. "Everybody gets their nose in it and they just keep on reading."

Vera May and co-author Bob will be holding a book signing for "Youth to Golden Age" at Asbury Towers Retirement Community from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7. A second book signing will be held at the Putnam County Public Library at noon Thursday, Oct. 20.

They will be selling the book for $10.95. A special price will be available to those who plan on buying multiple books.

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