Page 32 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Winter 2020- Online Magazine

attend activities there.
They have headed
many fundraising
events over the years,
as well as helping to
decorate the main hall
for the holidays. They
have also chaired
fundraisers to benefit
ASCA. The auction/
garage sale raises
thousands of dollars
to help with the
everyday expenses at
ASCA.
Throughout the
years, the Locks
have volunteered
with many other
organizations. They
spent 16 years as Girl
Scout leaders and 30
years working with visited 11 different countries. country.” Ted and Charlena have
the Deaf Community in Amarillo. Teddy joined the Army and was taught these same values to their
They spent eight years collecting stationed in Germany, so in the children and grandchildren. They
money for the March of Dimes to fall of 1977, Ted and Charlena have lived their lives believing
help find a cure for polio, which traveled to see her, and together attitude guides them through
took Charlena’s sister’s life at a they took several side trips to every day, as well as faith,
young age. other countries. honesty, trust and generosity. If
you sit down with them, they can
Both Ted and Charlena line Traveling became a big part of tell funny story after funny story
danced with the Swinging Seniors Ted and Charlena’s life. In 1993, from their travels and everyday
for 25 years. They also danced they took Ted’s mother, brother life.
with the Big Texan Line Dancers and sister to Hawaii and visited
for 11 years. Ted still calls Bingo the four main islands. They Charlena told me that when she
occasionally, and Charlena can enjoyed it so much that, in 1995, and Ted got married, she wasn’t
often be found working puzzles to celebrate Ted’s retirement, they sure what “love” really was.
at the puzzle table. took their girls back to Hawaii All she knew was that she was
and visited the same four islands. marrying her best friend, who
In 1967, Ted and Charlena began For their 60th anniversary, they has now been by her side through
organizing a family reunion for visited Alaska with their children. thick and thin for the past 68
the Ellis family (Charlena’s family years. They are loved by all who
in Weatherford, TX). Although When asked what their secret know them; they continue to do
the number of family members to a 68-year-old marriage is, all their volunteering together.
has changed, they are still Charlena told me, “We both came They always have a smile and
meeting in June of each year. from good Christian parents a hug for everyone they know.
who believed in loving our These best friends have made a
On their 25th anniversary, they Lord and having respect for our life of love together.
took their children to Europe and

32 Amarillo Senior Link