GREAT FALLS — Sunday commemorated the 70th anniversary of Juanita Cartwright Rollins and Winton Rollins, a Montana-rooted couple who married Jan. 19, 1950.
The Rollins met as teenagers and for 70 years they’ve been bound by something greater than themselves.
“I think it’s love. Has to be,” Winton said.
Juanita was only 14 when a friend introduced her to Winton, and 3 years later they tied the knot.
“She was right alongside with everything I did,” Winton said.
Over the course of seven decades they experienced plenty of ups and downs including the loss of two children, two heart surgeries, and a lifetime of memories together.
“It isn’t always sunshine. There’s some rainy periods,” Winton said.
Juanita said a lifelong love requires plenty of give and take.
“Give a lot. You have to give and you have to receive, too. You have to understand what people are doing and saying,” Juanita said.
But the key ingredient in any relationship are the two people within it.
“It takes two. It takes two people to make a marriage that lasts,” Winton said.
Juanita and Winton are looking forward to their future years together.
“We do want more years,” Winton said.
