Rick Lebherz & Melissa Anderson

Melissa’s paternal grandparents

Grandma and Grandpa Anderson 

It was 1953, I was 17 years old and working for Long Beach Credit & Collection Agency in Long Beach, CA.

My mom and sisters (Sandie & Judie) had moved to Long Beach after my father had died in November, 1952 in Tucson, AZ. My Dad’s brother Ken and his family lived there and my uncle Ken got me the job at the Credit Union. While working there I made friends with a lady named Judy, she was engaged to a fellow who was in the Navy. At one point she told me, “you’ve got to meet his good buddy, “Andy” Anderson”. She told me he too liked to read, liked poetry, blues & jazz and dance, and she just knew that we would hit it off! And yes we certainly did!

“Andy” his real name was Del and a Navy buddy came to meet me. Here was this really cute 6 foot guy with curly brown hair and  brown eyes that always had a bit of mischief in them! Plus he had a really cute smile and was so cool!

We were young, yes, but there were circumstances that stepped up our relationship.This was a serious time that called for serious solutions. Marriage of course!

My mom was in Chicago at the time with my sisters, and Del knew he would have to head back soon for another 6 month cruise for the Navy. While she was gone my Grandma Josie suggested it might be a good time for us to get married, little did she know that was our plan!  We got married in a great little apartment. My mom eventually forgave me!

After the navy we moved to Chicago for a little bit where my mom and sister were now living, eventually ending up in Sacramento where Del grew up.

We were married 48 wonderful years before he passed away.

P.S. I was 18 and Del was 19 when we got married. His parents had to give permission for him to get married!