“She’s the glue that holds this family together” couple celebrates 70th anniversary

In 1947, Harry Truman was the President of the United States and Elton John was born.

n, and Vern and LaVera Tilton got married when they were 16 and 18 years old.

“I was very mature at 16,” said LaVera. The pair celebrated their 70th anniversary Tuesday, and they say they’re still just in love as they were in the 1940’s. Fast forward, Vern and LaVera have lived an eventful life: 5 kids, 16 grandkids, 52 great-grandkids, and 2 great-great grandkids. “She’s the glue that holds this family together,” said Vern.

Their daughter, Tracy Anderson says they’ve been a good example for her marriage and her family and she credits their ability to stay so active as they get older to the fact that they never stop. “We always used to say if Dad didn’t have a place to take care of he’d grow old”, said Anderson.

The family has had their fair share of trails and bumps along the road. As with any marriage, the Tiltons acknowledge some of the hardships they’ve faced- including the loss of their second child, Sandra. Their daughter was only 13 months old. The family has visited the cemetery of Sandra several times. “They’ve always kept her memory alive,” said Anderson. “we would visit the family [cemetery] well it’s not the family cemetery but it feels like because all of ancestors are buried there and we wondered last month are we freaks for doing this?” said Anderson.

The Tiltons celebrated Tuesday night with a party planned by their daughters.