Yuma couple celebrates 60 years of marriage

Reporter Madeline Murray spoke with the couple about how they knew it was love at first sight.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Vern and Kathy Winter, a couple from Yuma, are celebrating 60 years of marriage Wednesday.

It all started at a gas station in Bellingham, Washington in April of 1965 on an unexpected blind date.

"I'll let you do that one, it was a blind date…how should we start…well," the couple shared.

Vern and a buddy of his were in the U.S. Navy together and shared a car. He was working at a gas station when his friend wanted to take his new girlfriend out using the car, and he said, "Your girlfriend must have a girlfriend bring her back for me...Well I'll be danged, he brought her back and I've been stuck ever since."

Just like that, they dropped Kathy off at the gas station with Vern, and they have been together for 60 years.

They are spending their anniversary in Laughlin, Nevada and plan to take a dinner cruise.

"You know, it's like, 'Wow, 60 years. That's a long time,' but I mean, it's kind of like even our ages, it's just kind of like, 'Welp...another year.' This is 60 so we'll make it to 70," the couple expressed.

Dating in this generation can be tough, so since the Winters are hitting a huge milestone in their journey together, they have some advice for the young generation.

"It's a different world you know…I would probably tell people now to wait…of course to your mid 20s or something but I don't regret it, but I'm just thinking about how things are nowadays. Stop and think when you have problems...stop and think about it a little bit before you make any bad decisions," the couple said.

As time goes one, they know they live life to the fullest, loving one another unconditionally every day.

"We don't have a lot, but we're happy…keep our health…health is a big deal…we're both in pretty good shape, but that can change too so fast, so appreciate each day," they remarked.

Congratulations to Vern and Kathy on 60 years of marriage.