MARIES COUNTY -- It was 70 years ago this month, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland and began World War II.

It was also 70 years ago when a young couple from Maries County began a life-long journey together on a small, Maries County farm.

Everett and Inez Hollis celebrated their 70 wedding anniversary on Sept. 2, an amazing feat that few people realize.  

Everett met Inez through his sister and it was love at first sight.

 “I guess she was with my sister.  I went up there,” Everett said.

Inez interrupted and said, “He had an excuse to go see his sister.”

The Hollises have lived on the same farm near Vienna in Maries County during their entire marriage.  Their first house was a two-room log cabin without electricity or running water.  Even though times were tough, this couple stuck together through thick and thin.  Inez said the secret to a successful marriage is that you have to try to get along.

“You don’t think, well if this doesn’t work, I’ll push him off somewhere and get me another one,” Inez said.  “You don’t do that to make your marriage last.  That’s the main thing, to try to get along.”

During 70 years of marriage, Everett and Inez said they have never gotten into a fight.  That is definitely not a lie.

“I am not lying to you,” Inez said, “It wouldn’t pay me none to tell you a lie, would there?  I’m telling you, we did not have one fight in 70 years.”

 Everett agreed with Inez.

“Yeah, she was a lot bigger than I was,” Everett said.

Everett recently turned 92 years old and 85-year-old Inez lives with Alzheimer’s disease. Until last year, Everett farmed every day of his life. Today his days are filled with caring for his wife of 70 years and her illness. This remarkable couple is proud to be role models for their three children, seven grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.