Arizona Couple Reunites After 49 Years to Say ‘I Do’

ELOY, Ariz. — An unexpected twist unfolded during an 80th birthday celebration for Steve Gove when he and childhood sweetheart Judi Mutal decided to get married after reconnecting nearly five decades apart.

The couple first crossed paths in 1963 at a Seattle high school Christmas party. Gove’s striking red hair set him apart in a crowd of lettermen, catching Mutal’s eye instantly.

Despite their short romance, life sent them on separate journeys: Gove pursued college and military service in Vietnam, while Mutal completed her senior year of high school. For 49 years, they lived mere minutes from each other yet remained unaware of their proximity.

“We were only about 15-20 minutes away from each other,” Gove noted, reflecting on their parallel lives.

In 2013, a Facebook comment on a cousin’s photo rekindled their connection. “I know that name. Oh my gosh, I wonder if it’s him,” Mutal recalled upon seeing Gove’s name.

Their reunion felt surprisingly familiar. “I remember the Judy Powell, I need to get to know the Judy Mutal,” Gove said during their first meeting after decades.

Within months, they began planning a future together and eventually settled at Robson Ranch in Eloy in 2014.

Seeing Gove’s birthday as the ideal moment to marry, Mutal said, “When would we ever have another opportunity like this?” Both families played a part in the surprise, with loved ones traveling from across the country.

Reflecting on their relationship, Mutal expressed her joy: “He wakes up happy every morning. He makes me laugh. I just love him.”

Adding to their charming story, the newlyweds were recently crowned king and queen at the Robson Ranch senior prom, celebrating their love with the community.