Complementary Couple: Steve and Beth Conrad are not only always there for each other, but for their loved ones as well

“Mom and Dad are a true testimony for marriage. They have been there for each other when life has thrown curveballs, challenging situations and health battles. The example that they have shown is one to live by.” 

Steve spent over 30 years working for the phone company in order to support his family. Beth spent many of her years as a homemaker and stay-at-home mom, raising their three children (Shaun, Craig and Ashley) before transitioning into paraprofessional work. They both have shown how much they care for their family in a multitude of ways, which has made them such a complementary couple, and one whose family loves and appreciates them beyond belief.

When Ashley Ballard talks about her parents, you can tell they are the most loving and thoughtful parents in the world.

“When I say my prayers and I talk about Mom and Dad, I always tell God that I truly have the best parents in the world,” Ashley said. “They have always put their kids first and would do anything for their children or nine grandchildren (Hailey, Julia, Kaelie, Sophia, Kenadie, Jayton, CJ, Everly and Everhett). I have seen them give their time and energy in countless ways all throughout life. They could always be counted on to be there at every sporting event when we were kids to cheer us on, and we know even as adults all we have to do is pick up the phone and call them if we ever need something (day or night).”

Any news at all, Ashley’s instinct is still, “I’ve gotta call Mom,” followed by, “Tell Dad.” That is because of how much she still wants her parents to be involved in her life. She knows her brothers feel the same way too. They are all grateful their parents have always been and will always be hands-on.

They are the kind of grandparents that love watching their grandchildren play sports, and Steve loves attending a professional sporting event with his sons and grandsons, while Beth loves baking Christmas cookies with her grandchildren. 

As a whole, Steve is the kind of person who is very entertaining, known for his infamous quotes and unapologetic jokes. He is also an outdoor man who loves hunting deer and turkey, and especially rabbit hunting with his dogs.

Beth, on the other hand, hates an unmade bed, and she has a lot of spunk and is the queen of comebacks. She loves shopping and grabbing lunch with her daughter, and just anything she can do with family.

Together, they just make for a wonderful couple, tremendous parents, top-notch grandparents, and loyal friends. They loved taking their kids to Nags Head and Orioles games when they were younger, where their “fun money” jar “contributed” to vacation activities like go-kart racing and mini golfing. There still remains a debate of who between Shaun and Dad won the infamous race down the beach.

“Dad has always been there with a quality lecture that we have all heard a time or two… or a few more than that,” Ashley said. “I find all of that advice to be true in life as I have become an adult. Mom is the strongest person I know. She takes on everyone else’s burdens as her own and keeps on going. You always know she is just a phone call away and there to support you know matter what. This is how I know I can be strong in any situation.”

They both have a world of knowledge and are always looking out for everyone around them. Steve and Beth would give the shirts off their backs if need be, and they are truly present forces in the lives of their closest loved ones.

“We love you so much, Mom and Dad! You have done so much for us and have always been there. You mean so much to the whole family!” – Ashley