LIVERMORE FALLS – Leroy and Melvina Souther have been married for 64 years.

Their secret: Don’t get cross at the same time. And, they take turns being boss.

“We’re pretty even-going most of the time,” Melvina, 82, said.

Melvina, with the aid of a cane, and her 89-year-old husband stood outside their home they’ve shared for more than six decades.

State Rep. Rodney C. Jennings, D-Leeds, had come to the house on Souther Road to give the couple a legislative sentiment recognizing the longevity of their love.

The initial sentiment had the wrong date on it, so it was given on a crisp November day instead.

Any couple that has been married 64 years deserves a sentiment, Jennings told the couple before he read it to them.

“Are we old enough to be married?” Leroy joked. “I’m going to live to be 100.”

The Rev. Sewart Kinley, a Baptist minister, presided at the Southers marriage on Oct. 13, 1940, at Melvina’s mother’s house. She was 18, he was 25.

The newlyweds spent their first night together at the home they live in now.

There was no running water, no electricity, confetti in every bureau drawer and a pie bed, which is a short-sheeted bed, Melvina said.

The couple have four sons, 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Initially, the couple lived in one room of the house and since then added on.

The original kitchen is a schoolhouse that was moved up to the house, Melvina said.

Leroy was attracted that Melvina was a good cook, he said.

She is well-known for dishes she provides for the New Norland Grange suppers.

Leroy, a tree farmer, won’t be selling Christmas trees this year.

“It’s the first time in good many years,” he said.