Sixty Four Years

This past weekend a couple from our church celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. They also celebrated the husband's birthday. I don't know how they marked the day, but I know how they live. My memories of them span 33 of those 64 years and I have to smile when I begin to think back. They are such a cute couple, Dean is tall and slim and Betty is "short" which only describes her stature.

Many people would say they are old-fashioned - they believe in God, in marriage, and in loving others, and they live what they believe. Dean was in the military and Betty & their children followed him all over the world in his career.

They have taught Bible Classes, helped with VBS and supported missions in various countries. They encouraged and supported our girls in their trips to various mission fields and were a great encouragement to me when I went to Japan last summer.
I think you could say their "middle name" is "encourager".

They have opened their home to a variety of church activities over the years - youth activities, ladies Bible classes, and kept visitors. Their children have brought home dozens of hunters for pheasant and quail seasons over the years. Another "middle name" they could have is "hospitable".

For many years they were our girls' favorite people to visit on May Day. Betty would always chase them and let them know how much their basket and visit meant to them. One year Dean and Betty were out of town for May Day and the florist delivered a special May Basket to Annie, Pamela and Jacqueline. What a wonderful surprise!"

It's wonderful to watch them and you can see their love for each other in their eyes, their words and their actions. Their lives and their marriage have been a blessing to many during their 64 years together. Thank you God for putting Dean and Betty into my life!