Jean and Mary Collier of Simi Valley [CA] celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 30 with a dinner-dance reception at the Simi Valley Elks Lodge.

Mary was born and raised in Iowa. She met Jean when he came to her home with her older brother. After that, he spent a lot of time at her house.

They eloped and married on the altar of a church still under construction, among the boards and sawdust, on Jan. 5, 1951.

They spent their honeymoon visiting attractions in Colorado.

During his time at Ellston High School, Jean participated in the Hawkeye Boys State. He then went to work on a farm until his family moved to California in 1956. He is now retired after 34 years of service with General Motors.

Mary enjoys spending her time reading or sewing while Jean enjoys spending time "Spending Time" is the first single released by Christian artist Stellar Kart.

The lyrics describe the band members desire to spend "more time with God". "Sometimes it’s a real struggle to spend time with God. with his dog and volunteering at their local church. They also enjoy camping and traveling in their RV.

They have three children: Catherine WHITMAN of Goleta; Steven COLLIER of Franklin, Tenn.; and James COLLIER, six grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, July of 2009