Ron and Rhoda Celebrate 70 Wonderful Years Together

Ron and Rhoda Hughes celebrated their 70^th Wedding Anniversary on the 4^th of January; their story is a remarkable one of a love that has truly stood the test of time. 

Ron and Rhoda were teenage sweethearts who played together as children and both went through Berserker State School together just as war broke out in Europe.

Ron joined the Navy at seventeen years of age and served for the duration of the Second World War aboard the Warrego ship.

Back at home in Australia, Rhoda worked hard to support herself at the Red Cross and at a local Milk Bar.

"The war came and sort of took our youth away from us. With the majority of the town's men off fighting, Rockhampton felt empty, with little entertainment save for a few dances,” she said.

While Ron was serving, the couple managed to catch up a few times and mostly kept in contact through letters.

"He wrote a lovely letter home one day asking me to become engaged, so I wrote back and said yes,” she said.

Ron and Rhoda have seen a lot of change in the region over their seven decades together, especially in North Rockhampton where they've lived since 1951.

The couple bought their first block of land in a largely undeveloped area, with Ron having to clear the land before they could build their family home where they raised five children.

"This is the nest where we have so many happy memories,” she said.

While they've have a happy life together, Ron and Rhoda said they had to support each other through some challenging times.

"It was wonderful we could lean on each other. I knew if I ever needed anything I could go to Ron and he would take care of me. He's still there for me and still always here with me.

"We had the ups and downs, but we've both come through it and I think we've done marvellously to get where we are today, with the beautiful children that we have,” she said.

When it comes to the secret to a long and lasting marriage, Rhoda and Ron said communication was the most important.

"You've got to take your vows very seriously. If there's anything worrying you, get together and work it out. Always be ready to help one another,” she said.

To celebrate this rare milestone, the couple have received cards of congratulations from the Queen, Prime Minister, Queensland Premier, Governor-General and local Members of Parliament.

Ron and Rhoda still live in their home independently and are supported by RSL Care HomeCare. 

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