Stunned disbelief has swept through the quiet rural community where the couple lived.
Diane Harley, 52, and husband John, have been friends of the Laithwaite family for 20 years.
Mrs Harley said: “I can’t believe it. My daughter spoke to Paul just recently because he came out to meet her new baby.
“My son saw Jean knocking about in her little red car yesterday.
“They were devoted to one another and were like one person rather than two.
“We went to their son’s weddings and they were very good neighbours and friends.”
Mr and Mrs Laithwaite were active members of St Bartholomew’s Church, in nearby Saughall.
Last night, a church spokesperson said: “They were a wonderful couple and we are aware of the agony the family are going through.”
North Wales coroner’s court said that an inquest was likely to open today.
