By Angelica Ariza and Kayleen Holder
Amando and Ofelia Bustos, of Devine, are celebrating 59 years together. Their granddaughter nominated them to be featured in our Local Love Story series, explaining how the example her grandparents have set is “my true definition of love”.
“They have had their ups and their downs and leaned on God through it all,” said their granddaughter Haley Bustos. “Our foundation was rocked when my grandpa got sick and seeing my grandma take his hand and love him through it. She loves him with every breath she has.”
They met at the Azteca Dance Hall, Mrs. Bustos explained. She was just 20 when they met and he was 22, young, full of energy and not expecting that one dance would change everything.
“I was working and he asked me to dance for the first time. It was love at first sight! After that first dance we were inseparable,” she said.
They got married in Devine, July 12th, 1967, and are proud to have 2 children, 6 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.
Mrs. Bustos was born in Black Creek but grew up in Devine, a place she’s always proudly called home. Her husband Amando, is originally from San Diego, TX. He first came to Devine for work, taking a job helping build I-35. What started as a work opportunity then became something much more. A new home and the beginning of their love life together in Devine.
“We didn’t waste any time. We got married right away six months after we met,” Mrs. Bustos.
He proposed at a local baseball game, no ring no big production and she said yes without hesitation.
“He asked me to marry him and I said yes!” she added.
She received her wedding band on their wedding day. The ceremony was simple but full of love. Her older sister baked their wedding cake, adding a personal touch to a day centered on love and family. Not long after, they welcomed their first child born on March 23, 1968, beginning a new life chapter together.
Looking back at their journey Mrs. Bustos mentioned, “We’ve had our ups and downs but God has been with us this whole time. My husband is the love of my life and I’m thankful to God for all the years He’s allowed me to be by my partner’s side.”
Mrs. Bustos worked at a local clothing store for a while. She then began to work at the local middle school where she spent many years dedicating herself to the students and community, and eventually retired from there. Her husband did a little bit of everything to provide, from construction work to becoming an electrician, and even spending time working the San Antonio Stock Show with livestock.
Faith has always been an important part of her life. A lifelong Christian, she says her beliefs carried her through the years. Her husband was raised Catholic but chose to join her church on the day they were married.
She prays others find a love that’s strong and kind, and above all peaceful. When asked for advice, together her and her husband encourage their loved ones to focus on themselves first, finish school, and build their futures and maybe not rush into marriage so early in life.
Mrs. Bustos’ advice to everyone is simple but powerful, “Pray every day, trust God. He’ll always answer your prayers, and always have faith.”
One of her favorite bible verses is John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”
It’s a verse she’s carried with her since childhood, back when she attended Bible school. A faithful reminder that stayed with her through every chapter of her and her husband’s life.