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(CNN) -
Bob and Sue Walker were inseparable for more than 44 years of marriage and called each other "mate" (friend in Spanish) and "matey" because they were soul mates, their adult children told CNN.
Both died of COVID-19 while on vacation, while staying on separate floors at an Arizona hospital.
"They were really, really a couple, you know. I mean, nothing could come between them," their 40-year-old daughter Stephanie Walker told CNN.
"And unfortunately, the covid took them both within 46 hours of each other."
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The couple discovered they had COVID-19 just before Thanksgiving: Sue was tested at the hospital while receiving treatment for what they thought was a COPD flare, and Bob had a home test when his wife tested positive. .
They died a few days later in a Phoenix-area hospital: Sue on November 30 and Bob on December 2.
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"It happened really fast," Stephanie's twin sister Charissa Walker told CNN.
Bob and Sue Walker were married for more than 44 years.
They died 46 hours apart from covid-19.
Neither parent was vaccinated and both had health problems, said their 42-year-old son Jonathan Walker.
He said his father had kidney and other health problems in the past and that part of his foot had recently been amputated due to complications from diabetes.
Covid-19 has killed at least 830,788 people and infected about 57.2 million in the United States, according to Jan.5 data from Johns Hopkins University.
Hospitalizations have skyrocketed in the US as the omicron variant spreads, and Dr. Vivek Murthy, the US Director General of Health, said that most hospitalized patients are not vaccinated or have the booster dose.
Jonathan said his dad had to use a fan because of his condition, but his mom seemed to be on the mend - he was able to move, walk to the bathroom, and even asked him for some Taco Bell food because he was hungry.
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He was able to speak, wave and wave 'I love you' in a video that the brothers took just 24 hours before their death.
The siblings arranged a FaceTime call between their parents so Sue could talk to Bob and see how he was doing.
She said her mom stared at the phone like she was in a trance when she saw her dad for the first time.
"Then he woke up and said, 'Dude, you have to get better. We have to go home for Christmas, pal,'" he said.
"I really think that at that moment my mom's heart broke."
His condition deteriorated and he died the next day.
Charissa said she arrived in time to take his hand when she died.
"My heart broke into a billion pieces, but I was happy to be there with her," he said.
Jonathan said his parents were "tough as thieves" and that they fought, but he admired them for sticking together no matter how difficult things got.
"My parents loved each other. There was no question about it," he said.
"They stayed true to their vows of 'till death do us part.'
"Death didn't even separate them," Charissa said.
"And I just hope I have a love like theirs."
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A tough family vacation
The siblings decided to have their parents created and received the ashes a few days before Christmas.
Jonathan said his mother's gift was still under the tree last week, while Stephanie said she still feels the need to call and talk to her parents.
Charissa, for her part, said she's still in shock.
Stephanie said she hopes people take the virus seriously.
"The covid is real and does not judge."
she said.
"Losing one of your parents to this virus is horrible, but losing two parents in a short time is incredible."
The siblings plan to hold a celebration of their parents 'lives on March 1 - their mother's birthday and their parents' 45th wedding anniversary - at the church where they were married.
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