Priscilla Richardson

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Married, divorced. Married, widowed. Now, happy with her true love. Such is Elizabeth "Betty" Burch Luber's life story. A woman of many talents, Luber got her start in life when she was born in a house on the grounds of the American Viscose plant in Roanoke. Her father, as the local manager, had to live on site. After he retired, the Burch family moved first to Roanoke, then to a farm in Haymaker Town, Botetourt County. This let Luber take the bus each day to Fincastle High School, where she graduated in 1947.

"Since I lived out of town, I frequently had to stay after school to visit with friends," she remembers. "As a result I spent the night in what seemed like to me nearly every home in town.

"All during high school, Mack Bullard and I were best buddies," Luber continued. "He and his family lived across the road. He and I rode the school bus together. We roamed the hills together. But we never dated."

Luber went on to Roanoke College, marriage and divorce after her children were in college. As a single, Luber moved to Manhattan. She worked at bridal fashion promotion for Bride's Magazine, but she gave it up to marry Vic Luber, an executive in the travel industry.

"We traveled all the time."

One trip took them to Egypt. Luber vividly remembers sailing up the Nile on an Egyptian vessel.

Sadly, her husband's death in 1988 left her alone again. However, by living in New York she was able to take advantage of museums and opera.

"I had a season ticket to the Metropolitan Opera," she said. "And I went regularly to the City Opera and LOOM, the Light Opera of Manhattan."

She returned to her enjoyment of hand sewing by working on costumes for Broadway plays.

"I would have paid them to let me work, it was so much fun."

But this is a Valentine story about true love. Where did that come in? It all started with Fincastle's Pat Simmons, a former classmate. Simmons knew that Bullard's wife had died and told Luber, suggesting she send him a card. She did. Bullard, an electrical engineer, sent a card back. After a while, he wrote Luber a letter, and Luber debated answering it.

"A friend cautioned me," she said. "She told me I didn't know what he might have become -- maybe a murderer."

But Luber didn't think so. She wrote back and they corresponded. Then Bullard visited her in New York from his home in Maryland.

"When he stepped off the elevator in my building he was exactly as he was 50 years ago."

So the "best buddies" became lovers, and celebrated their reunion by deciding to move back to Botetourt. In 2000, they bought a vacation cottage outside Fincastle, making major improvements to turn it into a year-round dwelling. Bullard's training means he gets the electrical jobs.

They both have resumed their rambles, "because it's so beautiful here."

Luber, a master gardener, enjoys quilting, too.

"I just started a quilting group for Botetourt men and women. Our first meeting was snowed out, so I hope interested people will call me for information."

Not content with that, she's also starting a book club through the Fincastle library. Historic Fincastle Incorporated has tapped both their talents. They are co-chairs for decorating at the March 15 HFI ladies' luncheon.

A casual encounter with Fincastle's Mary Evelyn and Tom Tielking (he's a member of the Opera Roanoke board) at a party after the opera last fall turned into an invitation for Luber to serve on the board.

"I am thrilled to be a member and just hope I can make a contribution. What I admire most about Opera Roanoke is the singers. They are so fine."

Luber and Bullard wouldn't think of missing the Gala Fantasy Concert on Feb. 16 at Jefferson Center. This showcases a group of top professional opera singers accompanied by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. True love combined with love of opera. What could make a better Valentine?

To get information about Luber's quilting group or book club, call her at 473-1789. For more information about Opera Roanoke and to purchase tickets, call 982-2742 or go to www.OperaRoanoke.org.