Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Bob and Marge Hall of Vandalia have been recognized as the Longest Married Couple in Illinois by Worldwide Marriage Encounter. The couple, who married on January 28, 1944, in Tampa, Florida, received a certificate for this honor on May 26.

The Halls have achieved the rare milestone of being married for over 80 years, with both individuals now over 100 years old. Their commitment to each other and their faith has been a defining feature of their marriage. They are active members of their home parish and have a large family comprising four children, 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Marge Hall expressed her devotion to her faith by saying, “I love praying the Rosary as it is invoking our Mother Mary’s intercession. It is just automatic to pray the Rosary.” She spends her time watching EWTN to learn more about Catholicism and attending Mass on TV when not caring for her husband.

“Marriage is one of the sacraments that God instituted,” Marge said. “Knowing marriage is one of the sacraments strengthened us both over the years in living our Catholic faith. Good and bad times — living this sacrament brought us closer together.”

Despite Bob's health challenges, which leave him mostly non-verbal and reliant on caregivers, Marge remains mentally sharp and mobile with a walker. The couple has lived in their Vandalia home since 1945.

Marge shared what she believes is key to their enduring marriage: “keep God first in your marriage and life.” She also noted that being deeply in love with one's spouse contributes significantly to a successful marriage.