May 28, 2024 will mark the 75th wedding anniversary of Gregory J. Frost and Donna Lou Gries.
Greg and Donna Lou were married on a Saturday morning, followed by a brunch reception, which was customary at that time. Greg was 21 and Donna Lou was 18. They met as school kids in Sublimity and started dating in high school.
They lived in Sublimity until building their Stayton home in 1957, where they still live independently. Donna Lou worked for Santiam Hospital until the birth of their first child in 1960. Greg worked for Pacific Power and Light and retired after 43 years in 1992.
In their retirement they have enjoyed traveling. Together, they’ve been to Washington D.C., Hawaii, Arizona, cruises to Alaska, Mexico and the Panama Canal. They went on numerous bus tours that took them to Canada, all around Oregon and various places across the U.S.
They have four children: Joan, Russell, Mary Lou and Alan. They have 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren with one more on the way in July.
Donna still drives, getting them to church and places locally. She still cooks all their meals and makes sure all the household things are taken care of. Greg can still be seen working in the yard, or making sure the backyard birds are being fed, or just enjoying the sunshine.
Their son, Alan, asked his mother, “what’s the secret to your long marriage?” Her response was “respect.” In Alan’s 57 years, Donna Lou and Greg never raised their voices and only argued one time. He believes their strong religious faith, mutual respect, common goals and their friendship with each other has made this a truly amazing marriage. And the fact that Greg refuses to get hearing aids helps.
Donna Lou and Greg will be celebrating with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
