Olathe, Kansas — The Good Samaritan Society-Cedar Lake Village senior living community in Olathe, Kansas, isn't exactly known for its singles' scene.
But widowers Doris Kriks and Carl Kruse, both 96, found love nonetheless, and just last month became America's oldest newlyweds.
It's a relationship that started one year earlier, on cue.
Kruse was one of the best billiard players in the building, until Kriks moved in and started beating the socks off him.
"Yes, I was definitely surprised," Kruse told CBS News of Kriks' billiard skills. "She's a hustler."
"It's a good feeling to beat men," Kriks said.
Eventually, rivalry led to romance. Kriks and Kruse, both musicians, started exploring their shared interests. Carl thought they made beautiful music together and proposed. However, Doris responded with a firm no.
"But I thought that the way she said it was not that it will never be," Kruse said.
"I wasn't looking for a man," Kriks explained.
Kriks may have said no, but Kruse was a stubborn beau. So, a couple months later, he asked again, only this time he tried a whole different approach — showing her the larger apartment he had in mind where they could live.
Love at First Sight
Upon reaching the second floor, we entered a room that immediately caught my attention. I couldn't help but think, 'Oh, this is pretty nice,'” Kriks recounted. "And then he revealed the walk-in closet."
Kriks revealed that this sealed the deal for her, and she didn't hesitate to say "yes" right then and there.
"It's alright," Kruse confessed about being loved for his walk-in closet.
However, Kriks emphasized that Kruse also made space in his heart for her.
"He assured me that he was dedicated to making this a happy marriage," Kriks shared. "It warms my heart."
This is a testament to true love.
