It all began 54 years ago when Conni, Gary's sister-in-law, asked Mary Ann if she would be willing to share her phone number with Gary. Conni thought Mary Ann would really like her brother-in-law. At the time, both Gary and Mary Ann were attending Indiana University in Indianapolis while working full time.

Mary Ann was a registered nurse at Indiana University Hospital, pursuing an advanced nursing degree while also taking pre-med courses. She met Conni through one of those classes. Gary was enrolled in the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. They were simply two singles ready to mingle.

Gary worked full time at a retail pet store in Glendale Shopping Center while attending classes. After their phone numbers were exchanged, a blind date was arranged at a popular north-side restaurant. The date went well, but because they were both balancing demanding work schedules and college classes, they lost touch for a short time.

Fast forward four to five months.

While completing walk-in registration at Indiana University, fate stepped in. Registration was organized alphabetically, with Gary in the "RE" section and Mary Ann in the "RO" section. Gary finished first, turned around, and saw Mary Ann entering the room. Looking back, he says it was their lucky day.

The two began talking, and Gary asked if he could take her to the drive-in theater. They agreed that Gary would bring a few beers and Mary Ann would bring the popcorn.

Drive-in theaters were wonderful back then. They were affordable, entertaining, and the perfect place to get to know someone.

Mary Ann shared stories of growing up on Staten Island, New York, including trips to the drive-in and visits to the famous automat. It took a 28-minute ferry ride to reach Manhattan, where the automat featured wall-to-wall vending-style compartments that served freshly prepared soups, sandwiches, fruit, desserts, and more. Customers simply inserted coins into the compartment to receive their meal. It was essentially a cafeteria inside a vending machine.

Gary shared his lifelong love of sports, especially basketball and football. Then, just as now, his favorite teams were Indiana University basketball and football, Notre Dame football, the Indiana Pacers, and the Indianapolis Colts.

Their next two dates were also at the drive-in theater, this time at the Pendleton Pike Drive-In. The relaxed atmosphere gave them plenty of time to continue getting to know each other.

Mary Ann worked the 3:00 to 11:00 p.m. shift at University Hospital, rotating through the ICU/Open Heart Unit, Neuro Unit, Burn Unit at Riley Hospital, and outpatient clinics while continuing her graduate studies. Gary worked during the day and attended classes in the evenings.

Gary often drove from the north side of Indianapolis to the west side late at night simply to make sure Mary Ann arrived home safely after work. In return, she would cook him cheeseburgers with grilled onions as a thank-you for waiting up for her.

Some nights she didn't get home until well after midnight because of emergency situations or patient codes that required her attention before she could complete her charting and leave the hospital.

Gary quickly developed a love for those homemade cheeseburgers, something he had never experienced before. Mary Ann, meanwhile, fell in love with the thoughtful young man who always made sure she got home safely before driving back across town himself.

As their relationship grew, Gary and Mary Ann spent many evenings playing tennis at North Central High School, Gary's alma mater and one of Indiana's largest high schools. They also enjoyed running together and spending time with friends, many of whom they remain close with today.

Both completed their college degrees. Gary began his banking career at Merchants Bank in downtown Indianapolis, while Mary Ann, an avid lifelong learner, continued pursuing advanced degrees in nursing.

In the fall of 1977, Gary proposed, and the couple married on February 19, 1978, in Staten Island, New York.

They left Indianapolis on Thursday evening after Gary finished work and Mary Ann completed her work and classes. Driving through the night, they covered approximately 750 miles and arrived at sunrise Friday morning. They met with the priest to finalize wedding plans for Sunday afternoon.

Their two best friends, along with their spouses, drove from Indianapolis to attend the wedding. After the ceremony, all three couples returned to Indiana together on Monday, February 20. Gary returned to work as a full-time banker, and Mary Ann resumed her duties as a registered nurse the very next morning.

A honeymoon simply wasn't in the cards at that time.

Soon afterward, Mary Ann completed her master's degree in nursing and accepted a Director of Nursing position at Indiana University Hospital. She had hopes of entering the nurse practitioner program, but those plans were temporarily put on hold when the couple welcomed their first child, Janelle, in November 1978.

Their son, Jeff, was born in 1981, followed by their youngest child, Jamie, in 1985.

Life became wonderfully busy with raising children, balancing careers, and continuing Mary Ann's advanced education.

After nine successful years in banking and earning the title of vice president at Merchants Bank, Gary transitioned into becoming a self-employed real estate investor. Combining his banking expertise with strong business instincts and excellent people skills, he acquired and managed several dozen investment properties over the years.

Gary was born and raised in Indianapolis. He has one brother who lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, and one sister who still lives in Indianapolis. His family, on both sides, has deep German roots in Indiana and Wisconsin. Family trips to Wisconsin brought grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless wonderful memories together. Gary enjoys music, sports, dancing, and especially the music of the 1960s and 1970s. His favorite band is The Rolling Stones, and his favorite song is "Satisfaction."

Mary Ann grew up on Staten Island when it was considered the country part of New York City. She spent countless afternoons outdoors with neighborhood friends, playing until the streetlights came on. Monkey bars, stickball, hide-and-seek, and playground swings filled many happy childhood days.

She has three sisters and one brother who still live on Staten Island. Their family home was a beautiful older house featuring stained-glass windows on the front porch, a grand mahogany staircase, a winter room for storing canned vegetables from the summer garden, a large backyard, and coal heat.

Mary Ann's mother's family came from Spain, while her father's family immigrated from Italy. She laughs that this is probably why she can prepare delicious cannoli, lasagna, rice and beans, chicken piccata, chocolate streusels, and countless other family favorites.

She enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and, most of all, spending time with family, especially their seven grandchildren.

Whenever the grandchildren visit Kimblewick, Mary Ann encourages learning through books, maps, scavenger hunts, and educational games that teach them about the United States and Europe. She also enjoys teaching them basic cooking and baking skills, along with proper etiquette during special tea parties whenever time allows.

Their two granddaughters spend five weeks each summer in France with their father's family and are becoming proficient in the language.

Janelle and her husband, Malik, live in Indianapolis with their daughters, Eloise and Jenna. Jeff and his wife, Jenny, live in South Carolina with their sons, Rock and Grey. Jamie and her husband, David, live in Kentucky with their sons, Owen, Drew (the twins), and Benjamin.

Janelle graduated from the University of Notre Dame, while both Jeff and Jamie graduated from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

Gary and Mary Ann travel whenever possible to attend soccer games, dance recitals, school events, and other activities involving their grandchildren.

Gary sold his investment properties in 2018.

Mary Ann retired after a remarkable 45-year career as a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, professor of nursing, and healthcare leader.

In 2023, they moved from the Geist area to Kimblewick, where they downsized into a Stellar floor plan on Ruffian Drive.

One of their favorite recent family adventures was a trip to Parade Rest Guest Ranch near West Yellowstone, Montana. Every member of the family was able to attend, making unforgettable memories together while enjoying Yellowstone National Park and the rustic charm of the ranch.

Since moving to Kimblewick, Gary and Mary Ann have embraced community life. They enjoy participating in WAG, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Men's Breakfast, Ladies Luncheon, Stroll Barn activities, exercise classes, and many other neighborhood events.

When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Mary Ann answered, "Kindness, always being willing to help others, and always continuing to learn and stay curious."

Gary is known for his quiet nature, wonderful sense of humor, love of sports, and years as an avid runner.

Together, they raised their children with three guiding principles: strive for excellence in academics, athletics, and attitude.

Today, their greatest joy comes from watching those values live on through their three children and seven grandchildren.

Whether they are traveling together, cheering from the sidelines at a soccer game, attending a dance recital, or simply enjoying life with neighbors in Kimblewick, Gary and Mary Ann consider themselves richly blessed. Their cups truly runneth over with the abundance of love found in their family, lifelong friendships, and the wonderful community they now call home.