The Ledgers met through mutual friends while in high school. Don attended North Hollywood High and Phyllis attended Van Nuys High. They were married July 20, 1952, at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Sherman Oaks, Calif.

Don was in the Naval Reserve during high school and was called for active duty in 1953. He was sent to the naval base in Corpus Christi, Texas. Their son Steven was born while in Corpus Christi.

In 1955 the Ledgers moved back to California, and in 1956 they moved to Alaska. Don worked for Bob Williams as a school bus driver and at Bob's saw mill. He helped Bob build Modern Builders, where they sold surplus items, tools and homesteading supplies. Don worked for Modern Builders when the store moved to Homer and eventually became Superior Builders and then Spenard Builders Supply. He retired from SBS in 1994. Since retiring, the Ledgers have enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren and taking cruises.

The Ledgers homesteaded on the North Fork, where they still live. Back then, the North Fork Road didn't reach their homestead, and 46 years later they have seen the first lane of pavement laid in front of their place. Their three daughters -- Laurie, Susan and Donna -- were born in Homer. The Ledgers are active members of the Anchor Point Church of Christ.