Couple married for 55 years die just hours apart while holding hands.
CALDWELL, Idaho -- Family members are celebrating the lives of a Caldwell couple married for 55 years.
Ana Maria and Domingo Chavez's love story ended with the two holding hands. Husband and wife passed away on the same day, just hours apart.
"My grandpa, he liked to dance," recalls Krystal Chavez.
And that's where this love story begins, on the dance floor.
Domingo and Ana Maria Chavez met at a Blue Moon Dance in Pharr, Texas. The year was 1958.
Family members say it was love at first sight. Domingo was quite the charmer.
"Anybody he talked to they'd just like melt when they talked to him because he loved everybody," said Krystal.
But he loved Ana Maria most.
Ana Maria and Domingo Chavez.
Ana Maria and Domingo Chavez. (Photo: Courtesy the Chavez family)
"That's her man. She really made it known," added Krystal.
The two did everything together. They traveled, raised eight children, even worked together at the same Idaho farm for years. And yes, there was always dancing.
"My grandpa he twirled with her...they just love dancing," said Krystal, while looking at a photo of her grandparents at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
Family members from across the country traveled to Texas for the big party. It was a celebration of love.
"And they loved each other," said Krystal.
Ana Maria and Domingo did everything together, including getting sick. In 2006, Ana Maria was diagnosed with dementia. Domingo's diagnosis came shortly after.
So, their oldest son Freddie took them in. He cared for both at his Caldwell home.
"Unconditional love to each and every one of us," he told KTVB. A legacy of love that continued to the very end.
Last week, the couple's health deteriorated quickly.
The Chavez family pushed the pair's beds together and propped up their hands, held tight, on a heart-shaped pillow.
Ana Maria passed away first on Thursday morning, still holding on to Domingo.
"He took a turn for the worse," said Freddie of his father's outlook after Ana Maria passed. "I mean, he got sad. You could tell he was very, very sad."
Domingo died hours later. Family members say his wife called him home.
"Their love was really strong," added Freddie.
A strong and lasting love that family members say is setting an example. While they grieve over the loss of two loved ones, they're also grateful for the lessons they've learned Ana Maria and Domingo.
"They don't suffer anymore and I know they're in heaven right now looking down on us just dancing away in the streets of gold," said Freddie of his parents.
The Chavez's are survived by their children, 30 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
Ana Maria and Domingo Chavez's love story ended with the two holding hands. Husband and wife passed away on the same day, just hours apart.
"My grandpa, he liked to dance," recalls Krystal Chavez.
And that's where this love story begins, on the dance floor.
Domingo and Ana Maria Chavez met at a Blue Moon Dance in Pharr, Texas. The year was 1958.
Family members say it was love at first sight. Domingo was quite the charmer.
"Anybody he talked to they'd just like melt when they talked to him because he loved everybody," said Krystal.
But he loved Ana Maria most.
Ana Maria and Domingo Chavez.
Ana Maria and Domingo Chavez. (Photo: Courtesy the Chavez family)
"That's her man. She really made it known," added Krystal.
The two did everything together. They traveled, raised eight children, even worked together at the same Idaho farm for years. And yes, there was always dancing.
"My grandpa he twirled with her...they just love dancing," said Krystal, while looking at a photo of her grandparents at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
Family members from across the country traveled to Texas for the big party. It was a celebration of love.
"And they loved each other," said Krystal.
Ana Maria and Domingo did everything together, including getting sick. In 2006, Ana Maria was diagnosed with dementia. Domingo's diagnosis came shortly after.
So, their oldest son Freddie took them in. He cared for both at his Caldwell home.
"Unconditional love to each and every one of us," he told KTVB. A legacy of love that continued to the very end.
Last week, the couple's health deteriorated quickly.
The Chavez family pushed the pair's beds together and propped up their hands, held tight, on a heart-shaped pillow.
Ana Maria passed away first on Thursday morning, still holding on to Domingo.
"He took a turn for the worse," said Freddie of his father's outlook after Ana Maria passed. "I mean, he got sad. You could tell he was very, very sad."
Domingo died hours later. Family members say his wife called him home.
"Their love was really strong," added Freddie.
A strong and lasting love that family members say is setting an example. While they grieve over the loss of two loved ones, they're also grateful for the lessons they've learned Ana Maria and Domingo.
"They don't suffer anymore and I know they're in heaven right now looking down on us just dancing away in the streets of gold," said Freddie of his parents.
The Chavez's are survived by their children, 30 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.

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