Wife who shared longest-married couple fame dies

Nine months after being honored with her husband, Wilbur, as the longest married couple in America, Theresa Faiss has died in Las Vegas. She died Sunday at age 97. Wilbur and Theresa Faiss had been married for 79 years.

"She was an amazing woman who was adored by her three sons," said Linda Faiss, her daughter-in-law . "Fortunately the family got together a couple of days ago for Dad's 101st birthday."

In January, the Worldwide Marriage Encounter announced the Faisses were winners of its longest-married couple award for 2012. The award is given only once to a couple, so three other couples at the time might have had longer marriages.

Wilbur Faiss, a member of the state Senate from North Las Vegas between 1976 and 1984, is the oldest living former Nevada state legislator. The couple had lived in Summerlin since 1985.

The key to success in politics or in marriage is "compromise," he said in January. "Every day I ask her how she feels and, 'Is there anything I can do for you?' And say, 'Honey, I still love you.' "

The Faisses earlier this year met President Barack Obama after he learned about their honor.

Wilbur Faiss is saddened by his wife's death but is doing well and has been getting around Las Vegas to attend events, his daughter-in-law said.

Theresa Watts Faiss was born Sept. 10, 1915, near Centralia in Clinton County, Ill. Her brother, Clifford, still lives in the area. A sister, Hazel, and a brother, Melvin, preceded her in death.

The Faisses moved to North Las Vegas in 1944. They opened the Truck Haven in the early 1950s and later opened the Truck Harbor near Nellis Air Force Base. The businesses are no longer there.

While Wilbur Faiss worked at the Nevada Test Site, now called the Nevada National Security Site, Theresa Faiss operated the service station and a cafe with the help of their three sons.

In 1996, Theresa was honored as Clark County's Pioneer Mother of the Year.

She is survived by her sons, lawyer Robert Faiss and retired hotel executives Ron and Don Faiss, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

The Faisses' proudest legacy, according to their family, was the Wilbur and Theresa Faiss Middle School . The couple would visit the school annually and talk with students. The family would appreciate donations to the school .

Services will be private.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.