Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wooed this woman with Whitman's chocolates when they were 12... and it worked

Mike DeWine and his wife, Fran, just after his announcement that he’s running for governor Sunday in Cedarville. Photo by Lynn Hulsey

Mike DeWine and his wife, Fran, just after his announcement that he’s running for governor Sunday in Cedarville. Photo by Lynn Hulsey

Frances Struewing didn’t want to open the door when a kid she’d known since first grade stopped by her house bearing gifts: a silver cross necklace and Whitman's Samplers.

The woman now known statewide as Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine told "What Had Happened Was" podcast host Amelia Robinson that a friendship led to a marriage that has lasted 51 years and produced eight children and 24 grandchildren.

>> Who is Ohio’s new first lady, Fran DeWine?

They chat about the boy who knocked on Fran’s door when she was just 12 and eventually stole her heart. They dish about pie, ice cream and how Fran hopes to help Ohio children have better lives.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

"What Had Happened Was" is a podcast for Dayton, powered by Dayton.com. You won't believe the stories that come from right here. Host Amelia Robinson shares the best tales from the Gem City, Land of Funk and Birthplace of Aviation: Dayton, Ohio.

This podcast is brought to you by Cox Digital Marketing.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs one of six executive actions alongside his wife Fran, left, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Cedarville, Ohio. The former U.S. senator took his oath in a private midnight ceremony at his Cedarville home ahead of a public inauguration planned Monday at the Statehouse.

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