Floyd and Violet Hartwig died at home in hospice beds pushed close together by their children so the married couple of 67 years could hold hands in their final moments.

On Feb. 11, Floyd, 90, died first, while still holding his wife's hand. Violet, 89, died five hours later. The pair were surrounded by their family.

Violet had dementia for her last years, and Floyd had largely taken care of her. But in January he was diagnosed with kidney failure and was told by doctors that he had about two weeks to live.

"They had a connection, and I think that connection just came more and more, especially in the last months of their lives," their daughter Donna Scharton told the Fresno Bee.

Floyd continued to care for his wife, even as his health rapidly declined.

"My dad could hardly walk," Scharton said, "and his main concern was my mom."