East Texas Couple Dies Just Hours Apart After 67 Years of Marriage

Ruby Belle Gist and husband William Jack Gist look to have had the ultimate love story: Married for 67 years, two kids, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

And their story might just show broken hearts definitely exist, because when Mrs. Gist died last week, her husband was close behind.

According to the couple's obituary, Mrs. Gist died at The Hamptons at Pine Forest last week on Dec. 19 at the age of 89. And within hours of learning his wife of almost 68 years had passed, 91-year-old Mr. Gist died, as well, at East Texas Medical Center.

The two married March 6, 1945, at Mrs. Gist's parents' home in Austin and were inseparable ever since. They moved to Tyler in 2000 after spending much of their time in the Austin/Georgetown area.

Mrs. Gist was a wife and homemaker, and Mr. Gist was an administrative executive for 21 years after joining the U.S. Army in 1942. He served during World War II and received the Purple Heart after combat duty in France.

Funeral services for the Gists are 11 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 29) at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler.

It's stories like this, that while heartbreaking because a loved one is lost, you truly understand what love means. Rest in peace to both and our thoughts and prayers to family and friends.