Nebraska Family Alliance (NFA) recognized a couple married 75 years ago as one of Nebraska’s longest-married couples. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Skiles of Scottsbluff were nominated to NFA’s Nebraska Marriage Hall of Fame during National Marriage Week in February by their son-in-law, John Chain.
“A state is only as strong as its families, and in order for a society to thrive, we need God-honoring marriages,” said Nate Grasz, Executive Director of Nebraska Family Alliance. “Healthy marriages produce secure families, provide a loving, stable environment to raise productive children, and influence the offspring and families that come from this lifelong union.”
The Skiles are the fifth couple to be inducted into NFA’s Nebraska Marriage Hall of Fame. They recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary surrounded by their family, friends, and faith community.
Gerald and Barbara were married on February 12, 1950, in Mascot, Nebraska, during a blizzard and honeymooned in Kearney. They first lived in Holdrege, where they welcomed their first six children, including two sets of twins born just 18 months apart. In 1957, they moved to Scottsbluff, where they had two more daughters, one of whom passed away at birth.
Through the years, Gerald worked as a traveling salesman while Barbara cared for their growing family. A talented seamstress, she sewed clothes for their children and even made ties, suits, and shirts for Gerald. With seven children born within seven years, life was full of activity, faith, and laughter. Their faith has always been the foundation of their marriage, and they remain active members of Faith Lutheran Church in Gering, attending weekly services as health and weather allow.
The couple has been blessed with 22 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Even in their 90s, they continue to live independently and enjoy visits from family. They credit their strong, lifelong marriage to their dependence on God and faithfulness to Him and each other.
Nebraska Family Alliance established the Nebraska Marriage Hall of Fame in 2021 to honor the institution of marriage and the men and women who have faithfully committed to each other. The Nebraska Marriage Hall of Fame encourages lifelong commitment, reiterates cultural support for the institution of marriage, and serves as a reminder that strong marriages benefit everyone.
Nominations are accepted during the month of February for couples who have been married 60 years or more. Eight other Nebraska couples received honorable mention in the Nebraska Marriage Hall of Fame this spring.