Love story: Jim and Ronda Tanner

Ronda Kieneker was working at a Kentucky Fried Chicken in north Seattle on a November day in 1985. Her manager had arrived at the fast-food restaurant, and Ronda was scheduled to take a break.

But just then the phone rang and the manager went to answer it, delaying Ronda’s break. She went to help the next customer. The manager returned and offered to help Ronda with the customer, but Ronda declined the offer.

Jim Tanner was the customer. Ronda had a cast. He signed it “Get Well Soon.”

“I said, ‘I’m not sick,’ ” Ronda said.

Ronda was 16 years old and Jim was 24. She was reluctant to go out with him at first. When she did agree to a date, they went to see the movie “Target,” starring Gene Hackman and Matt Dillon.

On the way to the movie, the muffler on Jim’s car came apart and he was pulled over. The police officer asked Jim why he didn’t have handles on the doors.

“Yeah, that’s what I’d like to know,” Ronda said to Jim.

Those were the days before vehicles had child safety locks, and the removal of the handles was Jim’s safety device while he transported his two children around.

Jim and Ronda Tanner of Everett will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary today.

They were married Feb. 14, 1987. They have four children and one grandchild.

Jim asked Ronda to marry him when she was 17. They were out for a drive and arguing. He pulled over and told Ronda that she was the love of his life and he didn’t want to argue with her. She cried.

The couple got engaged on Valentine’s Day 1986. They were married a year later and moved to Everett.

Their daughter was born two years to the day after they met. Their son was born almost a year after that. His birthday is two weeks, two hours and two minutes from their daughter’s birth.

Some people said the marriage wouldn’t last six months, Ronda said.

“I can understand now,” Ronda said. “Back then you are a kid and it’s good.”

Jim and Ronda have kept their marriage strong by using good communication skills. They always bring issues to the table and hash them out.

“We’re both willing to work at it,” Ronda said. “Neither one of us is willing to give up.”

Ronda’s advice to new couples is to never keep secrets and “always, always, always” communicate.

Every Valentine’s Day, their anniversary, either Jim or Ronda has a turn at surprising the other. This year, Jim will surprise Ronda.

Their love for each other has grown stronger throughout their 20 years of marriage. Jim and Ronda are close and act like they are still dating, Ronda said.

“He’s a really easygoing, lovable and caring guy,” Ronda said. “I love him more today than I did yesterday. I just can’t even explain how much I love him.”

For information about Celebrations and Love Story, call Christina Harper at 425-339-3491 or e-mail harper@heraldnet.com.