I have a question that could spoil the movie for others.. beware please

Rating: Null/10 (20 August 2004)

I am wondering about William Hurt (Edward Walker). There is no mention of a spouse in the film. Is she there? Did she die? when? I cant even explain why its bothering me that it isn't explained. Its just one of those things.. I am curious as to others who may have seen the movie and could provide this information to me or even their thoughts about the Character.
Ivy never mentions a mother and always looks to her father hence I believe there is no mother present. One other thing I noticed that was disconcerting was the following. When Ivy was "kneeling down" and the townspeople were running around asking if anyone was hurt. Who was the old guy standing in the doorway. I don't remember seeing him as one of the elders.. So where did he come from?