Never Too Late for Love

At Gunnison Valley Health (GVH) Assisted Living, love knows no age limit. Sherli and Jake are two residents who found each other later in life, but whose hearts were ready for a new beginning. They have a story that reminds us all of the enduring power of companionship, friendship and unexpected love.

Sherli moved into GVH Assisted Living in December 2019, relocating from Texas to Gunnison to be closer to family. After losing her husband of nearly 50 years in 2013, she focused on family, work and hobbies. Having worked for the district attorney’s office in Harris County, Texas, and raised three children in Houston, moving to assisted living wasn’t something she had planned. But at GVH Assisted Living, Sherli discovered a welcoming community that quickly felt like a home in Gunnison.

Jake, a fourth generation Coloradan, was born in Pueblo and moved to Denver in 1960. In 1986 he retired as Senior Vice President from Empire Saving and he built a new home in Ohio City. During his 17 years in Gunnison, he served as President of Gunnison Savings and Loan. From 2003 to 2024 he lived in Green Valley Arizona. After losing his wife of 67 years, Jake wanted to be closer to his sons. In 2024 Jake made his full return to life in Gunnison, and GVH in 2024. When he arrived for a tour, fate had something extraordinary in store: Sherli.

The connection was immediate, though Jake didn’t realize just how significant it would become. “I remember seeing her sitting at the table, coloring,” Jake recalled. He thought maybe she was connected to someone he had known before, but her Texas roots proved otherwise. “After that, we got to talking, and that’s how it all started.”

It didn’t take long for the GVH Assisted Living staff to notice the spark between them. “You could see it in Jake’s eyes,” one staff member said. “He noticed her the day he moved in, and his first comment was that lady is ‘hot.’” Their budding friendship soon deepened, but it wasn’t until Sherli took a two-week trip to visit her grandchildren that both realized their feelings had grown into something more.

“When I got back, everyone told me how much Jake had been wanting to talk to me,” Sherli said, smiling. “That’s when I knew we had something special.”

What began as a friendship grew and blossomed into love. “We realized we had so much in common,” Sherli said. “And after a respectable time period, I decided to ask him to marry me.” She explained, “If anything was going to happen, it had to be me who did something about it,” she added with a laugh. Jake said yes, and on July 19, 2024, the couple exchanged vows in the GVH Assisted Living garden. Surrounded by over 75 family members, friends and fellow residents, their wedding was a joyous celebration.

The GVH Assisted Living staff played an essential role in making the day memorable. From coordinating with Gunnison Rising Church for music and ceremony details to arranging food, drinks and flowers, the team ensured everything was perfect. “We’re like one big family here,” Sherli said. “Everyone was excited for us, and that’s made this experience even more special.”

Jake and Sherli’s families also embraced their union wholeheartedly. Jake’s two sons, Jeff, a now retired law professor from Western Colorado University and a current resident of Ohio City, and Greg, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the air force, and former airline pilot, along with Sherli’s son and daughter all welcomed their new union. “Our families get along so well,” Sherli said. “It’s been amazing to see everyone come together and support us.”

Now the couple spends their days enjoying each other’s company, taking drives around town, attending church services together and participating in activities at GVH Assisted Living. Reflecting on their journey, Jake shared a moment that stood out: “We were sitting in church, and she squeezed my arm. I thought, ‘That must be a sign.’” Sherli, laughing, countered, “I only did it because his elbow was on mine, messing with me!”

For Sherli and Jake, this chapter of their lives is a testament to the courage it takes to embrace love at any age. “We can’t lose time,” Sherli said. “Life is short enough. If you find someone you care about, just go for it. Don’t wait.”

Jake agreed, adding, “It’s never too late for love.”

Their story is a beautiful reminder that love can bloom at any age and that bonds formed in a supportive community like GVH Assisted Living are priceless. “Moments like this remind us all that we’re never too old to experience something extraordinary,” a GVH staff member shared. “It gives us hope.”

To anyone considering opening their heart later in life, Sherli offers simple advice: “Just go for it.”

At GVH Assisted Living, she and Jake did just that, and they couldn’t be happier.