The couple met at a fellowship in a local Country Women's Association Hall in 1958, and in Jill's words, "she had met the man she was going to marry."

Their wedding was held in 1960 at the St Patrick's Catholic Church in Guildford, both recalling the extreme heat of a 40 plus day.

It was followed by a reception in a relative's backyard where the guests continued for another three days, long after the bride and groom's departure for their nine-day honeymoon in Northhaven, New South Wales.

The couple had six children, making for busy days - Jill with home duties and a natural quip for cooking, whilst Rusty, who drove oil tankers for 11 years for Caltex, eventually started up his own landscape gardening business.

According to Rusty, "Jill was the prettiest woman he has ever known".

When they met, he had never seen such an array of LP records, collected by Jill.

Although Jill now lives with dementia and is a resident of the Opal Nursing Home, Bombaderry, she still enjoys music, recalling with accuracy lyrics from 70-years-ago.

Rusty, at 92, has always been an active and outgoing person, with much activity in church life and programs with homelessness.

According to his children "our Dad has many wonderful attributes, but the best thing is Dad loves our mother".

The couple will be celebrating with staff and residents at the Opal Nursing Home and with family and friends at one of their favourite restaurants.