Love story starts at Buttermilk Ball

The Buttermilk Ball in Concord brought a young couple together at the Strickland Store during the fundraiser to raise funds for the historic building. A photographer just happened to take a photo of them as they looked at each other for the first time. Was it love at first sight?Zach Klinger, grandson of Concord’s Beth Jones and the late Ellis Jones, will marry Becky Ramseur Oct. 1, several years after first meeting her and square dancing with her at the small-town fundraiser in 2008. ’Zach proposed at the very spot we first saw each other, the Strickland Store,’ said Becky. ‘The proposal was, I think, something from a movie. Not only was it the most romantic thing ever, but it was thoughtful, very detailed and everyone knew except me. After Zach got down on one knee, we drove back to his farm where he had my entire family, his entire family and a few close friends waiting on us.’Zach Klinger told his future wife that his grandmother Beth Jones needed help moving a large box from the Strickland Store and when she went to help move the refrigerator-sized box, it lifted easily to reveal a vine wreath with sunflowers surrounding a metal heart shaped box and an engagement ring. The couple would be among those celebrating small-town life at the next Buttermilk Ball this Oct. 8 at the Strickland Store, but they will be on their honeymoon. The very first Buttermilk Ball was held the year after the Strickland Store closed, to help raise funds for repairs and renovations. This year’s will be the sixth Buttermilk Ball and it will raise funds for a new roof for the Strickland Store. ’Maybe we should call this one the Buttermilk Ball Match.com,’ said Beth Jones. Becky Ramseur is the daughter of Lynda and Jim Ramseur and the granddaughter of JoAnn and David Lacy. Zach Klinger is the son of Mary Ellen and Scott Klinger and the grandson of Beth Jones and the late Ellis Jones.