We continue our celebration of marriage with a couple that really likes to clown around. Dennis Amentastro and Ruth Ann Reeves were married in the sanctuary of 1st UMC on February 18, 1995.
Denny and Ruth Ann met in the church's Singles Sunday School class in 1993. Ruth Ann was an active member of FUMC-Maryville, and a single mom to Clayton Reeves. Denny retired from his career with the U.S. Air Force in 1992, and was encouraged by Air Force friends to move to Maryville. While looking for a rental house, he became friends with realtor and church member George Long, and he invited Denny to visit 1st UMC. After attending George and Anne Long's Sunday School class for a short time, he joined the Singles class. Over time Denny and Ruth Ann became friends as they took part in the class's various activities. Associate Pastor Andy Ferguson became the group's unofficial mentor, and often joined the group for Sunday lunches or camping trips. They often joked that if there was food involved, Andy would be there.
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Denny and Ruth Ann dated for nearly a year; he proposed on Ruth Ann's birthday in October, 1994. The two asked Andy to perform the wedding ceremony; by then he had become both a good friend and spiritual guide for the class. Ruth Ann's relatives and friends came from Connecticut, Texas and California for the big day, and Denny's came from North Carolina. The rehearsal became a good time for Denny and Ruth Ann to let go of the stress of planning, they got pretty silly, wearing animal slippers and clown noses. Twelve year-old Clay created his own silliness as "Igor", who wore a sign saying he was selling brains for 50 cents, to benefit the "United Federation of Mad Scientist Apprentices". At one point Andy got a bit concerned about all the silliness, and asked what might happen during the wedding; Ruth Ann and Denny assured him we'd "play it straight" for the ceremony. But they did manage to get him into the spirit and put on a clown nose for awhile that night! They had a beautiful ceremony and reception, and Denny presented Clay with his own key to the new family's house.
Since then Ruth Ann and Denny have treasured the ups and dealt with the downs that are part of married life. Both strive to resolve issues with honesty, respect, and love, as Jesus encouraged us all to do. The two support and encourage each other in activities they share, and in those enjoyed separately. Being part of this church family is important to Denny and Ruth Ann, spiritually; having met and married here adds a special sense of belonging.
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