Gene and Betty Mathews/Tullis of Oakley celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 24, 2006. At their request, they celebrated the milestone at their home in Oakley with family and friends. The celebration was hosted by their children and

grandchildren.They met each other through friends in Brentwood. Gene went into the Navy in 1944 and romance began through letters. He fulfilled his deployment to the Pacific in 1946 and received an honorable discharge from the Navy. Gene and Betty married on June 23, 1946, in Reno, Nev. They have four children: daughters Shirley Ray and husband Bob of Mountain Ranch, Linda Reed and husband Kenneth of Arizona, Debbie Shelton and husband Steve of Oregon, and son Richard Tullis and wife Lisa of Discovery Bay; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Gene and Betty are retired and enjoy taking day trips visiting family and friends, camping trips, gardening and crafts.



After 60 years of marriage they were asked how they did it. Betty answered, "Listen to each other, respect each other, enjoy each other's company and be best friends." Gene agreed.

We think our parents and grandparents are wonderful examples and hope to follow in their footsteps with our own marriages.

Congratulations again, Mom and Dad, Nanny and Papa.

Love, Linda, Shirley, Debbie, Richard and all of our family members