It’s all for love: Area couples share their stories

Breathe deeply, for it's Valentine's Day.

Whether the warm fuzzies belong to you and your beloved, love is in the air in North Las Vegas. View Neighborhood Newspapers explored two couples' love stories on this holiday of love.

A secret affair to remember

Once, Bruce and Rose Marie Irot kept mum about their love.

They were secretly married for four years before letting anyone know.

Their 1985 nuptials included a picturesque vista and 100 guests. When they made it official four years earlier, Rose Marie didn't even know it was her wedding day.

"I was at Bruce's house, and the phone rang," she said. "(The caller) said, 'This is Reverend Wright. I'm calling about the Irot wedding.' "

There had been no proposal, and Bruce didn't live with Rose Marie and her four teenage children. Rose Marie went with it.

A now-retired businessman and accountant, respectively, Bruce and Rose Marie met in 1978 as co-workers in California. Bruce, twice engaged, and Rose Marie, once divorced, started as friends.

When Rose Marie decided to move away with her children, she learned of Bruce's true feelings.

"Bruce said, 'What about me? I love you,' " she said.

The couple were calculated about their relationship in order to protect the feelings of her children. Although they were secretly married, Bruce didn't move into the family home until after their 1985 vow renewal. Their marriage license was a sealed legal document to further protect the secret.

Family and friends ultimately supported their decision.

"Everyone acknowledged we had a right to do it the way we did it," Bruce said.

Rose Marie said the measure helped them hone in on a lasting mutual respect.

"Bruce is my best friend, and there is always a line you don't cross," she said. "It has to be a pursuit of respect and honor and trust."

Bruce and Rose Marie also have loved and lost.

Last year, the couple committed to a weight-loss regime and shed a combined 100 pounds.

They've also gained. They agree their greatest gift is their 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Rose Marie relishes her 2-carat diamond ring, the upgrade from her $20 pawn shop engagement ring. Bruce cherishes his replica saber tooth tiger skull, a "wildest dream" fulfillment from his wife.

"We've continued to renew our relationship by our adventures," Bruce said.

The couple hike, travel and visit their family together often.

The 65-year-olds almost share everything.

"I wanted to marry an older man," Rose Marie said. "And I did -- he's two weeks older."

A many-splendored thing

Theron and Naomi Goynes' home could be renamed the Goynes Family Museum.

Wall space is scarce in the North Las Vegas home the couple have shared for almost 48 years. Memorabilia from their 53-year marriage covers nearly every nook and cranny. Snapshots, awards and certificates from Theron's long careers as an educator and North Las Vegas city councilman hang alongside family photos, diplomas and other keepsakes of their children and grandchildren. Mementos from the dedication of their namesake elementary school and political campaigns of Theron, their daughter and North Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Pamela Goynes-Brown and son Byron Goynes dot their living spaces.

If wall space lacks, Naomi creates a three-ring binder for overflow and portable bragging ability.

Why the fuss? It's all for love.

"It's a many-splendored thing," Theron said.

The couple met as young teachers in a rural Arkansas school. Their first date was also the first day they met.

"I always made my clothes, and I thought I was looking cute," Naomi said. "We had a social, and I thought, 'Why is Mr. Goynes here?' He surprised me and asked if he could walk me to the dance."

Theron's proposal mirrored that event.

"He rang the doorbell and surprised me," Naomi said. "He said, 'I'm going to California, and I'd like you to go with me,' and pulled a ring out of his pocket."

Naomi followed her heart -- and her mom's advice.

"I wore his ring with pride," she said.

The couple married that July.

They said they've weathered good and bad times together and found their groove. Although Theron favors cooking and shopping for clothes and groceries, Naomi tags along. The retired couple diligently attend each others' doctor appointments and social engagements. They're staples at Sunday service and their family members' events, including each North Las Vegas City Council meeting their daughter serves.

"You see one, you see both of us," Naomi said.

Why are they always together? It's all for love.

"He once said, 'I love you. If you're sweet to me, I'll be sweet to you,' " Naomi said. "He lived up to that promise."

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.