Vows
ELLEN ROFFE ROSS and WILLIAM RUPP
Making a Game Day Decision, Eloping in Arizona during a National Baseball Tournament
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By Ellen Ross
On Tuesday, October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona at 12:30 p.m., Ellen Ross and TBF were united in holy matrimony.
It was a game day decision – literally. The bride’s brother, Ken Roffe, was playing in the MSBL World Series in ball fields and stadiums all over the Phoenix area. It happens every Fall in October and I’ve been going to watch him bat, field, run and catch a baseball (not softball) for all of my life.
He’s the team’s Left Fielder- and his nickname is “The Rocket.”
(And sorry/not sorry for the humble brag. He’s been M.V.P. twice. (This is an important part of this story, so hold on to your baseball hats.)
The week before we decided to take the plunge, I had been in Boston visiting my daughter. (Code for cooking, dog-walking, light cleaning and laundry duty and- oh yeah- teaching my grandchildren this. (Carly LOVES purple.)
I got home on Friday night October 21 at 10 p.m.
At 8 a.m. Saturday, we decided to go for it.
After seven years together.
Then I looked on line for “How to get Married in Arizona,” printed up and filled out the license form – along with self-addressed stamped envelope- and booked the ONLY appointment available in all the Phoenix area.
Next we had to run to the Apple Store because my phone battery had degraded while I had been in Boston, and while we waited for them to install a new one, we desperately searched the area for a jewelry store looking for any ring that fit my size 4 finger.
Then we came home, I switched out my Boston clothes for Arizona sunshine gear, ate something for dinner and tried to go to sleep.
At 11 p.m. I suddenly realized that the form said NOTHING about who could actually legally marry us once we had a license.
I went back online and found her.
Gwen Waring. I called and left a voice mail regarding our nuptial emergency.
Then I went back to sleep until 2 a.m. got dressed, at 3 a.m. we drove to the airport and caught the 6 a.m. flight to Phoenix.
At 9:30 Sunday morning Arizona time, I was walking toward a baseball complex in Mesa desperately trying to find which ball field Kenny was playing on- there were like 6- and which f&*^ing field his team was having their game.
As Bill and I blindly followed two guys from Phoenix who also were searching for the entrance to the same complex, Gwen called.
We discussed timing, wedding ceremony details – blessings/no blessings, single or double ring exchange- t.b.d. because we hadn’t shopped for Bill’s ring yet- price, frills, witnesses etc.
Gwen was together, She calculated how long it would take us to drive to Surprise to fill out the license, grab my sister-in-law to be Matron of Honor*** and get to her office – including traffic flow.
She set the time at 12:30 Tuesday afternoon.
Then she texted me this. (She takes Zelle, btw.)
Sigh. I’ve always wanted to get married behind a Subway.
***Then I informed my sister-in-law Mary Lu that it would be her honor to be my Matron of Honor and witness. I gave her all the deets.
“Why can’t you get married at a later time or on a different day?” she wailed. “It’s a STADIUM game!”
OMG! Really?
I patiently (for me) explained that we didn’t choose the time or date or place. There was exactly one license to be had. (It turns out that October is hugely popular in Arizona as a wedding month. Everyone wants to have an outdoor wedding and the summer months are too darn hot. So the big wedding season is October through December.) The next available license appointment was in NOVEMBER and we weren’t coming back just because Kenny had a stadium game.
Kenny, btw, could not make the wedding because his team needed their M.V.P. Naturally, Bill- as a former ball player- and I- as a devoted sister- understood this implicitly.
We were then free to watch The Rocket’s first game.
Here are our thoughtful engagement gifts from Kenny and ML.
After the Chicago Fire won, we went ring shopping for Bill- found a fab one that fit him perfectly made out of black tungsten (!) – met up with Kenny and ML for a prenuptial dinner, went back to our hotel and collapsed. We had been up since two a.m. after all.
Tuesday morning, we ran to Surprise, Arizona. It’s an Old People’s GIGANTIC retirement city that makes Del Webb’s Sun City look like a drop in the ocean.
We had a time deadline and we were golden until we got to the city hall office complex. There were nine different municipal buildings and we needed to find the one that contained the superior court of Maricopa County to get the license.
Heart attack time for me because we ran through the metal detectors at 10:29.
Whew.
Then we drove back to get Mary Lu- who has forgiven us the faux pas about missing the stadium game -and found that she had provided me with a beautiful small bouquet bought at the supermarket that morning.
She had also hand-embellished it with silver ribbons. And since she is an ace with an iPhone camera, she graciously agreed to be our wedding photographer, as well.
The we drove like heck to Gwen’s.
Look at that map again. We looked and looked and finally spotted her office in a graceful row of colonnaded office space.
(We never did see the Subway, btw.)
Promptly at 12:30, Gwen delivered a beautiful- really- talk about what we were doing- as well as another witness. Then we exchanged rings, Mary Lu snapped away and that was it.
We were married.
There were congrats, more photos and then I played a song on my phone. I had thought long and hard about it.
Believe me, in seven years you have plenty of time to think about your wedding song.
But I chose it not only for its beauty, simplicity and how it reminded me of all the times Bill picked me up in Chicago.
I chose it because it is about Time.
Time- the most precious commodity for us all now.
Every day it seems like I get another phone call with bad news about some friend who is sick or who has passed away. It’s just getting to be that stage in my life, I guess.
So I felt like sharing some good news with all of you.
It’s never too late.
Love conquers all.
And enjoy the time we’ve been granted.
It’s the biggest wedding gift of all.
Blessings on you.
With love and gratitude, Ellen Ross Rupp
Oh Ellen!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
So thrilled for you!! I knew this guy was extra special and you had many obstacles to overcome… but this is wonderful news. I love your story.. how simple and memorable.
And I never realized Kenny was such a star!!! I guess those years of Wilmette Little League with Larry paid off!!!
Hope to see you soon Mrs. Rupp!!
Love 814
My oldest (!) friend. I can’t tell you how much you mean to me. Where would. Be without you teaching me how to spell “duck” and helping us beat up
Geoff Davenport? We look forward to seeing you here- or anywhere soon. Love 810
Wonderful news, Ellen! Wishing you both many years of happiness still ahead of you.
With much love to you, Ellen and Bill,
Susan
Thank you, Dear Susan! You’ve been a fount of wisdom, kindness and insight and your good wishes mean the world to me. Looking forward to getting to see you in person one day soon. ❤️
Congratulations dear friends! As I was in on the big news before the nuptials (sworn to silence), I followed the big game day (yours not Kenny’s) excitedly waiting for the official word and the wedding photos! I was thoroughly delighted and couldn’t be happier for my favorite newlyweds. Mazel Tov!! May your lives continue to be filled with love, laughter, joy, Ellen’s cooking delights, and the best of health. Sending so much love and hugs. J.
Joan my dear friend, style guru and fashion idol- nope just make that idol. I NEVER could have done this without you. Your love, support, care packages, sage advice and decorating know how all led me to this moment. Since my divorce in 1996, you never gave up on me/ even when I wanted to give up. Your loyalty and courage under fire is a lesson in grace. I can never repay you or Rickey for never letting me quit. Betty- you are one of a kind. Nobody like you. ❤️
Good recount. Nice picture! Uncomfortable chairs. Wonderful guy. Congrats you two. It was lovely 🥂💕🎂💐
We literally couldn’t have done without you. You’ve been there for me – through all the ups and downs- what can I say but I love you, thank you and Bill has a crush on your mother. To the BEST Best sister-in-law we could ever wish for, thank you. ❤️🥂
Congrats Ellen to you both!
What an adventure, but (sorry for bad pun) you hit a home run!
All the best, BZ
Thank you, my friend. Clever words indeed from my idol. You’re the man with the words, the laughter, the kindest heart- and I remember that I was your first guest on your talk show! (Remember when the plastic surgeon had to bail?) Love and gratitude, your disciple Ellen
What a joy to be able to wake up to such wonderful news We all need this. Mazel tov, congratulations. May you two enjoy many more trips at round the sun. 💕
Bless you dear Leslie. So kind of you to comment- and you and I and Kenny need to have lunch again next Spring. Hope all the Usow clan is thriving. Grateful for your friendship. ❤️Ellen
Such good news and wonderful reporting – felt I was there! SUCH ENERGY TO GET THE JOB DONE! Hope you will be posting more often now that you got this project done. All the best to you and Bill
Talk about energy! You are a one woman dynamo who never dropped a ball- with Bruce or a charity or anting ride you turned your clever hands to. Thank you, my friend. Come see us at The Little Traveler or in Chicago next Spring/Summer. Hope all is well your way. ❤️Ellen
Congratulations Mrs. RUPP,
This is such great news. Your bio keeps getting better and better. I see a new book in your future which of course would be a best seller. Time is of the essence!!!!
Bill is a lucky guy. Congratulations ❤️
Wishing you good health and many more home runs together!
Lots of Love Always,
your old friend Lili
I know! Crazy, right? Even I think
This is a great screenplay. Thanks, Lil. You were my number one subscriber and my number one role model in how to be a friend. Love to your whole clan. Words can’t say how much your support has meant to me. ❤️E
I’m very happy for you although I hope this “Bill” works out better!!
What can I say? I like the name. And thanks, my friend. Lots of history between us- all terrific memories!
Mazel tov Ellen! What a wedding story, it’s very you! ❤️
Wishing you and the BF many years of happiness!
And I know Joan and Henry are looking down with big smiles of their faces.
Love,
Nancy
Funny, Nancy, that I JUST mentioned to Katie Graff how much I miss your mother. Your father would have PLENTY to say about it, believe me. I loved them both so much. I think of them every day. Hope you and Glenn are great. We will do that lunch at some point. And thanks for sharing them with me, Highland Park and the world.
Great story and great guy!
Mazel Tov🚀
Thanks. He can still play catch with you. ⚾️
Congratulations Ellen! So very happy for you and as a fairly close follower I have found your story both compelling and fun. Here’s to continuing along those same lines my friend.❤️G
Gary, you have always been a supporter. I truly appreciate your loyalty, beautiful wife, and most of all Tommy! Thanks for everything, my friend. It means the world to me. 🏌️♂️
This is sensational news my friend. Your wedding saga sounds like a dream come true. Determination is a key part to happinesses which is something you so deserve. Congratulations to you both and remember, the best is yet to come.
Lots of love,
Terri
Thanks, my friend. Life is full
of surprises- good and bad. Thanks for being there for ALL of them. Love to you and your beautiful clan. ❤️🗻
Am enjoying this great news today – and have 25 hours to do it!
Congrats to you and TBF.
Thanks, Kauff! He batted 518 in high school. Al Schwartz would have approved. And only you would have come up with that “25 hours” thing. Nice! Hope all is well at your house. See you at Wrigley. ❤️⚾️
So happy to read your great story and send only the best wishes to you and Bill
for much happiness and good health. Love is wonderful and I’m thrilled
for both of you!!!
Much love!!!
Thank you, my beautiful Karen. Your sweet wishes mean so much to me. I’m laughing when I think what Danny would have said- and I bet he would have organized it much better. You’re both always in my thoughts. Love to Sarna, Jessica and their families. See you around somewhere warm I hope soon. ❤️👰🏻
Danny would have loved every moment –
I actually arrived in Phoenix October 21 and
so I could have been your flower girl❤️💐🌹
If I had only known! You would have been a gorgeous one. Darn it! See you soon. And send Danny my love. ❤️👰🏻😊💋
It is so delightful to get your Good News!! Mazel Tov to you both and hope to see you in Eagle River next summer. I love the way you planned and delivered this event!
Dearest Vivian, Thanks so much for your kind good wishes. And YES, I would love to be in Eagle River with you next summer I miss you guys- and Catfish Lake. Love to the gang, Ellen
Congratulations, 810!
Such exciting news and what a great wedding story. I wish you and Bill many years of happiness and wonderful stories.
Much love,
824
Dear 824, Thank you do much for your good wishes. I think often of how Life is a funny old thing. Who knew the fates- the triumphs and tragedies- of those three little girls on the block who played jacks and jumped rope? This is one of the good things. And I am so glad to be able to share it with my always taller, smarter friend. Hope your family is flourishing. ❤️ 810
Congratulations! and if you’re changing your address, phone or email, please let me know.
Thanks, my friend. I love this comment. Sentiment and cold facts. Nice combo. Phone stays the same. Ditto email. I’ll email the new address if I haven’t already. I don’t remember. Hope all is well with you. And thanks for the job you do. Terrific, sad and vital.
What happy news, Ellen and Bill!
Mazel Tov and much love to you,
Darlene
Succinct and perfectly written. Just what I would expect from my beautiful, brilliant English teacher of a cousin. Again- you are the only relative in the whole family of whom we are not ashamed. Love to you and we’ll bring your hips more great candy next time we see you. ❤️👰🏻🍫
Ellen,
I am absolutely thrilled for you. It’s so hopeful and optimistic to find your heart throb at this stage in life. Mazel Tov! I’m happy for your happiness. I miss seeing you in the old hood.What a wedding story you have. And you are a very good story teller. You might think about writing it for a magazine.
Long life and good health for you and for Bill.
Sherry Baby! Thank you so much for the good wishes. I always wanted my wedding in the New York Times – and this is as close as I’m ever going to get. I miss you, too. Next Spring, I’m going to have to stop by- or throw myself a wedding shower. “World’s Oldest Bride” will be the theme or “It ain’t over ’til it’s over!” Say hi to Alan, my former boss,Jonah and baby Theo- who must be at least nine or ten by now- and your beautiful Zelda. Love you. And as you know, never give up!
Karen Lee shared this wonderful story with me! How wonderful to hear something as sweet and loving as this special tale of love! SURPRISE was the perfect name of the town to sponsor your license! Congrats to you! You still look like a blessing bride!
Keith and I loved reading about Kenny and his baseball prowess! He was always a star on the field…but now he has MVP after his name. Impressive!
To you and your beautiful family, much HAPPINESS, to be enjoyed in the BEST of HEALTH!
Hugs
Arlene
Arlene! My co-advisory (Miss Glasgow then Mrs. Burns) pal! Surprise is not just the name of the town in Arizona. This is another one. So glad you enjoyed the blog. Hope you and Keith are flourishing. I have to ask “How’s Hawkeye?” He was unforgettable. Hope to see you irl soon. I’m going to throw a wedding shower for the world’s oldest bride in the Spring to celebrate with all my old friends. I think I’ll have Lili Ann Zisook run the show. She’s a pro. Love to all- and thanks for the very kind words. 😊❤️👰🏻
Hi Ellen,
I’m a bit late but a big Mazel Tov is still in order a week and a half later! Wishing you and your Bill many, many wonderful years together.
🥂❤️💋💋Nancy
You are NOT late dear, Nancy. It took me 7 years to outthink him- what’s a few days more or less. Thank you so much and hope everyone and everything in your life is as beautiful as you are. ❤️👰🏻🥂
OMG I was so happy to read about you. If you ever in Arizona please let me know. Id love to see you. You look happy and darling and your story is fabulous. I think a “New” beginning is the best beginning.
Jackie, so great to hear from you! Yes, it’s nice at my age to have a second act. (Or is it the sixth?) And Lil and the gang are throwing me a shower on Spring/Summer 23. You’re on the list. Be there! Hope all is well your way- and when I come to Az next, I will let you know. 😊❤️👰🏻