When Ezra Jones, 74, came to Indianapolis last year from Shipshewana to visit his son, he had no idea how CICOA's Meals & More program at the Indianapolis Senior Center would change his life. On Saturday, Aug. 28, Ezra married Ruth Gaunt, 78. Standing up with them were two people who helped bring them together: Ezra's son Jeffery and Dorothy Sams, the Meals & More site manager who played matchmaker.

Ezra's plan started off simply. Jeffery was scheduled for surgery, and Ezra would come for the procedure, stay to help his son through recovery, and then go home. Jeffery lives just down the street from the Indianapolis Senior Center, so to help pass the time, Ezra brought him to the Senior Center for lunch and to play Euchre.

When Ruth, a regular at the Senior Center, returned from a trip to New Jersey, Ezra's plan got more complicated. She walked through the door to find Ezra sitting in her chair, playing Euchre with her partner. She was smitten.
"I don't know if it was love at first sight, but it was definite interest at first sight," Ezra recalled.

Meanwhile, Dorothy--who has served CICOA's lunch program at the center for more than 15 years--thought Ruth and Ezra, both widowed, would enjoy each other's company.

"Look, you're single. She's single. She's a real nice lady," Dorothy prodded Ezra. "Maybe you can have dinner together sometime."

Now a year later, Ezra has sold his house and boat in Shipshewana, moved to Indianapolis, and married Ruth. They live in Ruth's home, a remodeled filling station with a garden on the roof, and they visit the Senior Center every day to play Euchre, eat lunch, and volunteer. Together, they help Dorothy prepare meals for homebound delivery, and then serve those who come in for the community meal. Ruth also volunteers in the office, doing data entry.

"We've both been by ourselves for awhile," said Ruth, whose first husband died 12 years ago, "so it's nice to have a companion again. We are living proof that there is hope for old people!"