John and Frances Rice Sr. recently celebrated their 60th anniversary with a reception given by their children at the home of their son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Robin Rice.

John and Frances grew up almost 500 miles apart. John is a native of Cayce, Ky., and Francis is a native of Elizabethton, Tenn. They met in Detroit, Mich., through friendships and family.

The couple moved to Rome from Carleston, W.Va., in 1955 and have lived here ever since. John served in the Army during WWII and was employed by GE, Celanese, Electrolux and Floyd Medical Center. He is known for growing a large garden each year.

Frances was a homemaker and a seamstress of quilts.

The couple has two sons, Marshall Rice Jr. and Mark Rice. They have three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

John and Frances say especially happy times in their marriage were the births of their children and grandchildren as well as holidays and special events.

They enjoyed traveling, particularly to Colorado and Wyoming in 2003. They say the secrets to a long and happy marriage are love, forgiveness, laughter and involvement in the church.