The couple first met at South Corowa Public School and began dating in their late teens.
“We’ve pretty much known each other our whole lives. We met at school and our families were friends,” Mrs Upton told The Free Press.
The couple was married at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Corowa, July 8, 1950.
Mr Upton, 91, worked as a diesel mechanic with the family business and only had to cross the road from their family home to get to work.
“Often, he would have morning and afternoon tea with me,” Mrs Upton said.
Mrs Upton, 89, left school at 15 and worked for a short time at a clothing factory. She also worked as a nurse.
“Of course, when I married Tony, I couldn’t finish my nursing studies because you were not allowed to work as a nurse when you were married,” Mrs Upton said.
The couple went on to have three children, Terry, Lynette, and Irene. Presently, they now have nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, some of whom live as far away as Perth.
Corowa was a different place when Tony and Betty were growing up.
“There weren’t many houses around us, just paddocks. Now new estates are going up all the time,” Mr Upton said.
“Hardly a motor car went by. You didn’t have to go to Albury for anything as all the shops here were full,” Mrs Upton said.
There have been plenty of highlights for Mr and Mrs Upton along the way. Some of their fondest memories have been travelling overseas to Europe as well as regular trips to Hervey Bay, Queensland.
“The boys would go out fishing, of course, and my sister and I would go out and do whatever we wanted to do. It was just wonderful, really,” Mrs Upton said.
Over the years, both Mr and Mrs Upton have contributed to the Corowa community.
Mr Upton was also a founding member of the Corowa Probus Club, which formed 30 years ago.
Both enjoyed golf and lawn bowls, and served on various committees.
“I went in as captain at the golf club for a few years and down at the bowls club I was lady president for a term,” Mrs Upton said.
As for the secret to a long-lasting marriage, Mr Upton was confident he knew the answer.
“You have just got to realise who is the boss. Although I’m still working that out after 70 years!” he laughed.
“We are so different. We think differently and occasionally, we have our little squabbles. We are part of each other, though,” Mrs Upton said.
The Upton’s eldest daughter Lynette Schuberg spoke highly of her parents and their incredible marriage.
“We had a fantastic childhood with loving, caring parents. They laid a good foundation for us and hopefully, we have carried that on to our children,” Ms Schuberg told The Free Press.
“My sister and I went out to try and find them a card to mark their 70th anniversary. We had great difficulty. It seems they only make anniversary cards up to 60 years,” she said.
“That is because you are only supposed to make it to 60 years!” Mr Upton said.
While celebrations will be more subdued than planned due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mr and Mrs Upton look forward to catching up with all their family when the time is right.
They will celebrate with a small gathering of family at their own home.
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