Ashton sweethearts' unending love 'an inspiration to us all'

Two Ashton great-grandparents who were married for 76 years have sadly passed away just weeks apart.

When Ashton sweethearts Ratilal and Shantaben Taylor, who were both 95 married in India in 1943, the Second World War was still taking place.

They moved to the UK in February 1968 and had four children, 10 grand-children and seven great-grandchildren and were both an Ashton institution.

They marked their 76th wedding anniversary in June last year on the pages of this newspaper and the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Leigh Drennan and consort Mr Cory James paid them a special visit to celebrate the occasion.

Local MP Angela Rayner also popped in to congratulate them on the major milestone.

Sadly Shantaben (known by the family simply as ‘mum’ or ‘Baa’ went into hospital on December 8 last year and passed away after a short illness on December 22.

Ratilal (known by the family simply as ‘dad’ or ‘dada’) had a fall and went to hospital on December 21. Unfortunately, he never recovered and passed away on January 19.

Shantaben and Ratilal last year with Angela Rayner, MP, on their 76th wedding anniversary.

Speaking on behalf of the family, their eldest son, Manhar Taylor – a grandfather of four himself, paid tribute to his parents who he had lived with or next door to all of his life.

“We are all devastated at losing mum and dad. Especially so close to each other and so close to Christmas too.

“But it is important to remember the good they did in their lives. They both lived a very rewarding and long life and it was full of joy and happiness.

“They had a large extended family and despite coming to the UK unable to speak the language and with very little to their name they became a part of the fabric of Ashton.

“Their funerals were packed with family members and well-wishers who took the chance to pay their respects.

“Angela Rayner, MP found the time to attend my mum’s funeral and spoke about when she visited their house – she summed it up when she remembered the warmth and hospitality they offered. You would never come away from mum or dad’s hungry or thirsty.”

The two married when they were both 19 and moved to the UK from Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania.

Ratilal worked in the mills and Shantaben was a housewife. They lived in the same house for more than 40 years - from 1976 until they passed away.

“Ashton is very different to Tanzania,” added Manhar.

“It’s a different language, a different culture and times were very different to nowadays.

“Their unending love for each other and life should be an inspiration to us all and their family is the ultimate tribute to them.

“To lose them both so close together is heart-breaking but we are hoping to mark their time by building a library in their memory for underprivileged children.”

Main image:

NEVER FORGOTTEN: Shantaben and Ratilal in 1943.