Heatons celebrate 60th anniversary

TEKOA — Lifelong Tekoa residents Larry and Virginia Heaton are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this weekend with a family dinner hosted by their children, John Heaton and Kellie Coffey, and grandchildren, Christopher and Paisha Coffey.

Larry Lee Heaton and Virginia Lee Currier were married on Sept. 17, 1961, at the Tekoa Christian Church. Immediately following the church reception, the high school sweethearts departed on a two-week honeymoon drive down the West Coast, visiting Disneyland and the Grand Canyon. It was the first and last time the couple took a vacation away from their farm during September.

Throughout the decades of their marriage, the couple enjoyed many activities together. A few favorites include league bowling at the Tekoa Bowling Alley, spending time with family on their houseboat at Lake Coeur d'Alene, and playing cards with friends. Virginia, an avid bridge player, even convinced Larry to learn to play bridge and join a bridge group with local farm couples. This was short-lived as Larry prefers card games where he is allowed to talk while he plays.

Larry and Virginia were honored this summer during Tekoa's Slippery Gulch celebration for their civic involvement and contributions to the community. The couple owns and operates Heaton Farms, Heaton Trucking, Stateline Storage, and Stateline Processors with their son, John.