Dury 70th

DURY 70th

Melvin and Jean Dury recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and church friends at Otis Orchards (Wash.) Church.

They first met in the eighth grade at the Veradale (Wash.) Adventist Church School. Melvin served in the Army in Europe during World War II. Jean Livingston graduated from Rogers High School in Spokane, Wash. Soon after Melvin returned they were married in a double wedding ceremony with Jean's sister in the Spokane Central Church on May 18, 1947.

They made their home for 32 years on the family dairy farm near Deer Park, Wash. Melvin worked long hours on the farm, and Jean was the ultimate farm wife and raised four children. Family time was spent boating, swimming, camping and snowmobiling.

They lived in Lacombe, Alberta, Canada, for nine years, where Melvin was assistant farm manager at Canadian Union College. When they retired they moved to Liberty Lake, Wash., to be closer to family. They have enjoyed retirement by traveling with their motorhome to many places across North America.

Melvin set up a woodworking shop and made many treasured items for family and friends. They still enjoy gardening, volunteering at the local food bank and family game times. They are active members of the Otis Orchards Church.

The Dury family includes Brenda and Erling Grovet of Lacombe; Daryl and Marie Dury of Spokane, Wash.; Cheryl and Ron Becker of Spokane Valley, Wash.; Brian and Michelle Dury of Kennewick, Wash.; 6 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren and 4 step-great-great-grandchildren.