We both grew up on the West Side of Chicago. Ken lived 3 doors down from the Dona’s cousins, the Cloman family. During the summer months Dona would often visit. Although she was a tomboy…the boys on the block (including Ken) took a liking to her. Fast forward 35+ years…May 2017, Ken was heading to the bar when received a text from the bouncer at Coop’s Den, giving him the update on the prospects at the bar. “They in here tonight K”…there is one that IS YOUR TYPE!!! Earnest always said that because Ken would often just sit in the same spot and not talk to anyone except the staff. That particular night when Ken entered and he saw a pretty young lady at the end of the bar hanging out with her friend. Instead of taking his normal seat he decided to move close to their table and shoot his shot. Ken noticed that they were drinking wine and asked the Bartender/Owner Coop, what they were drinking and offered to buy them another round. Coop said no my brother…”buy the bottle.” Trust me! He struck up a conversation with Dona. She informed him that she is originally from Chicago, but just moved back to the area from Madison, WI. The two continued the conversation, discussing various things. A few times during the conversation Ken offered to take Dona out to dinner and show her around Bolingbrook since she was new to the area…the offers were ignored. They started talking about where they grew up in Chicago. Both mentioned they were from the west side. Ken mentioned that he grew up on Long and North Avenue and Dona replied with I have family that lived on that block. Dona? Kenny? they both replied. The two shared some laughs, a few pictures and continued to talk. They both decided to call it a night. On the way home Ken realized they should have exchanged numbers. Thinking quickly, he texted her cousins to let them know that he ran into Dona and asked if they would send her his number. A few weeks went pass and on Father’s Day, Ken received a text message from a strange number saying…Happy Father’s Day. Ken replied, thanks, who is this? This is Dona she replied. The two exchanged text messages over the next few days and Ken once again asked if she wanted to go out and do something. Ken invited Dona to the 4th of July celebration at the City of Bolingbrook Golf Club. On the day of the event, Dona and Tasha arrived 5pm sharp. Dona was dressed for the occasion, wearing a Red, White and Blue cowgirl hat and boots. She looked amazing and Ken was intimidated. The next 1.5-2 hours were awkward. Although he was a perfect gentlemen fixing her food and pouring drinks, he didn’t talk much to Dona. Dona and Ken continued to text and talk over the next few days. Dona offered to make him dinner. The dinner was set for Friday night 7/11. Ken thought to himself, she is too pretty to be able to cook so prior to the date he went to his favorite bar/restaurant Coop’s Den to put something on his stomach and grab a few drinks. Dona prepared catfish, spaghetti, salad and wine. The food was delicious and the date was great. The two hung out and chatted for a few hours, before heading out dancing with her cousin Marie. That was the start of their budding relationship. They hung out almost every day that summer…in October of the that same year, they attended the Too Short, Scarface and DJ Quik concert in Milwaukee…that the same night that Ken told Dona that he loved her and asked if she wanted to be his girl. She said yes! Fast forward almost 4 years later on New Year’s Day 2022, Ken proposed to Dona at the stroke of midnight. Prior to his passing, Ken received the blessing of Dona’s father, McArthur Spears (2/1/2022) for her hand in marriage. On August 3rd 2024 (8-3-24) they will be husband and wife!

Dona and Ken will spend a relaxing week in…Mykonos!