Four children were born of the marriage, all of whom are now emancipated. She later filed a petition asking the court to dissolve her marriage to Husband, award her maintenance, award her costs and attorneys' fees, and divide the marital property. Husband was a farmer throughout the marriage. Wife spent most of the years of the marriage as a homemaker, although at times she worked as a secretary and operated a fabric and gift store. In 1990, Wife obtained an Associate Business Degree and began to work as a part-time substitute teacher and as a secretary.
Wife has a severe case of diabetes.
She must test her blood twice daily and take insulin. In June 1994, Wife fell and broke her hip. She had to have a total hip replacement and now has an open wound on the hip. Later that same year, wife broke both her leg and her shoulder. Wife is physically disabled and requires a wheelchair.