Catherine and Kenneth Jones mark 70 years of marriage with heartfelt advice

Ever wondered what it takes to make a marriage last a lifetime? Kenneth (92) and Catherine Jones (89) might have the secret.

The couple, who live in Casseldale and have been married for 70 years, celebrated their platinum anniversary on June 18.

Catherine chatted with the Springs Advertiser about their love story and what has kept them going all these years.
She recalled how they met at a public swimming pool in February 1954.

“I was with my friends, and we were playing this game where we were making a human pyramid. I was on top. The pyramid collapsed, and I fell on him,” she said.

“When I fell on him, I apologised, and what I loved was that he was such a gentleman. I didn’t introduce myself properly because I didn’t want to make him like me.”

A party was hosted a few days later, and Catherine asked a friend to invite Kenneth on her behalf. He happily accepted.

“He came over to me at the party and introduced himself, and we danced. On February 18, 1954, we went on our first date, and we have been together ever since.”

By December of that year, Kenneth had met her parents.

“My father told him not to break my heart. Kenneth told him he wouldn’t and didn’t. He also requested my hand in marriage.”

Catherine said they were married on June 18, 1955, at a church ,where a shopping complex is now situated.

“I was 18, turning 19 the following month, and Kenneth was 22. We were young, but our love was strong. Our marriage has been wonderful, and God has blessed us with a beautiful family of four children, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren,” she said.

Although Kenneth was present during the interview, he could not speak clearly because of a stroke. However, Catherine said he still expresses his love.

“He says I am easy to be with and loving. We call each other ‘Mommy’ and ‘Daddy’,” she smiled.

Fondly known as Cathy to friends and family, she still dotes over her husband.

“I don’t see myself without him. I spent my whole life with him. Seeing him like this hurts me. But I am grateful I still have him with me physically. Sometimes he remembers me,” she said.

Cathy spoke fondly of their many adventures – climbing the Great Wall of China, visiting Rome, Paris, Venice, and local game reserves.

“One thing I still enjoy is sitting in the sun with him. But I have to be careful; if we’re on a bench, he leans over, and he’s heavy to lift,” she said.

Catherine said the secret to their happy marriage was simple: kindness and unconditional love.

“Love each other forever, never argue, and never cheat. And if something is wrong, talk about it.”