After nearly 74 years of marriage, Tony and Rose Ament of St. Cloud, Minn., say they still tell each other "I love you" every night at bedtime.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Aments, who the Worldwide Marriage Encounter says have the longest marriage in Minnesota, "are an inspiration to all couples," their daughter-in-law, Karen, Ament, told the St. Cloud Times.

"They always put family and community first, and it's good for young people to see," she said.

The Aments, who have four children, 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, will mark their 74th wedding anniversary in April at the care center where they live, the Times reported Sunday.

Rose says life with Tony, who turns 100 in July, has been easy because "things ... just fit."

"He liked me when he saw me. I liked him when I saw him," Rose said. "I think he still enjoys me and loves me."

"Ehhhh, well," Tony replied with a smile, prompting laughter from both of them.

He even still calls her "sweetie" and "honey" from time to time and says "we shake hands when we go to bed and say 'I love you.'"

If the Aments have any advice for young lovers just setting out on a lifetime together, it might be to work hard and be financially prudent -- they never had a mortgage.

"We see all these young people eating out and drinking and Lord knows that's costing them a mint," Rose said.