Betty and Kermit Eastman, both 99, celebrated their oak anniversary on June 6, joining a remarkably small group. On average, only one U.S. couple each year reaches the 80-year mark. Globally, it's estimated that only 1 in 6 million couples live long enough to celebrate eight decades together. The Eastmans' story began in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, where Betty moved into the neighborhood and caught Kermit’s attention. Before they could get their relationship off the ground, Kermit left high school to join the Navy during World War II. After returning from the war, the two married, and Kermit proceeded to finish high school. They even attended the prom together as a married couple. After college, they settled in St. Cloud, where Kermit worked as a superintendent. They raised two children and now have five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. After eight decades, both said the formula for marital success is pretty straightforward. “Just don’t keep secrets and be honest,” said Betty. Kermit’s advice? “Just live every day. Every day is a gift.”
