Staff Reports
Paul and Bette Messer celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 12, 2008. They were married June 12, 1948, in Seattle.
Paul Messer was in the U. S. Air Force during World War II and, after graduating from the University of Washington, was employed as a chemical engineer with Standard Oil, now Chevron. His 33-year career with the company took the Messer family to Alabama, Hawaii and the San Francisco Bay area.
Bette Messer was a homemaker who raised their three children, Pam Weimer of Oakland, Becky Seifert of Fountain Valley, Calif., and Steve Messer of San Ramon, Calif. The couple have seven grandchildren.
The Messers moved to Carson Valley in 1994 where Bette is in charge of a senior bridge group and Paul works in the yard and "enjoys life."
"I met Paul when I was 16 and he was 19 and in the service," said Bette. "It was love at first sight and that was it. Paul is very easy to live with " kind, considerate, sweet and generous."
About the secret to a long and happy marriage, Paul said he was lucky to have found the right partner.
"Bette is the reason for the success of our marriage " for it lasting 60 years and many more," he said. "She is an exceptional woman and easy to live with."
The Messers celebrated their 60th anniversary with a party with 50 family members and friends at the Carson Valley Inn. They are at home in Saratoga Springs.