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Betty, 76, and Bob, 78, will re-affirm their marriage April 27 in what could be Lapeer County's largest wedding at Country Christian Church in North Branch.

Betty is a resident of North Branch and Bob is a patient at Suncrest Medical Care Facility in Lapeer. Despite living apart, the couple's love has never wavered. They will be together at the church on what should be a special event.

Betty said it's really no secret to their long marriage, but attributed it to be loving and caring.

Quick witted, Bob said the key is his "good looks."

The couple met and fell in love with each other when they were students at then Michigan State College, now Michigan State University. "We both won scholarships in 1949," Betty recalled. "His was through Pioneer Bank and mine was through Lapeer County Bank and Trust.

Bob said he proposed to Betty and gave her a ring at the ice arena at MSU. Betty accepted the proposal.

The couple married Oct. 7, 1950 at what was then Deerfield Church.

The Sutter family had a farm they worked. They also raised six children-some of whom will be at the dedication-including: Patti Brown of Columbiaville, Dan Sutter of Almont, Rick Sutter of Grand Blanc, Scott Sutter of Deerfield Township, Peggi Armstrong of Hillman, and Jill Scarcelli of Channahon, Ill. The couple also has 16 grandchildren.

"In 1963, Bob cleared land for campground and we started Sutter's Campground and Recreation area that's ran today by our son, Scott," Betty said. "Bob also worked at Pontiac Motors."

Bob said their recreation area had its first campers in 1964. "He worked at GM for over 22 years to help with expenses and keep the campground going," she said.

When Betty and Bob re-affirm their vows it won't be the first time they've done so. They've also had rededications at Country Christian Church and while on a "wonderful" trip to Cana of Galilee in Israel. Bob recalled both rededications fondly.

The couple hopes others reaffirm their vows of matrimony at the April 27 ceremony.

Love never fades.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.