Sarah was born and raised in South Fork, Pa., and met Merle at the Sunset Ballroom. She worked 10 years as a nurse’s aide at the Allegheny Lutheran Home. She was famous for her apple pies.

Merle and "Sally" settled in Johnstown, Pa. Merle served 27 years in the U.S. Army and Reserves, the 458th Engineering Battalion, retiring as Master Sargeant. He was a policeman in Johnstown and was also an employeee of Bethlehem Steel. In addition, Merle was a mailman for the Post Office for 30 years.