Article and Photos by Mary Alice Murphy

Anastacio and Consuelo Sandoval celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at their home in Santa Clara on Saturday with three of their children and many of their 17 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. They also have two great-great grandchildren who were unable to attend. The actual date of their anniversary is Aug. 5.

Anastacio was "Born in Space" in Santa Rita in March 1925. Consuelo Gamboa was born in Deming on June 26, 1927.

"We met at my house," Consuelo said. "He and his dad came to see my uncle."

Anastacio said he spotted her across the room. Consuelo said he also made a great impression on her.

Anastacio Sandoval served in World War II, but did not serve overseas. His duties were at Fort Bliss and Camp Roberts.

The couple had three daughters and three sons. One daughter and two sons are still livng, with one living in Datil and two in Tucson, Ariz. 

They laughed often when questions were posed to them. "When she got mad at me, it was pretty good and pretty often," Anastacio chuckled. "She would give me a tongue-lashing."

"To get me in a good mood, he would sing to me," Consuelo sad. "He still sings to me. He sings songs that are appropriate to the situation."

Their daughter, Yolanda Dominguez said the children always knew when he was in a good mood.

"I start singing in the shower and I sing all day long," Anastacio said.

Consuelo said he sings loudly in the shower and often wakes her up.

The whole family was looking forward to his singing to his wife that evening. When asked if she would cry, Consuelo said she was sure she would.

When the children were small, she said the family would always sing Christmas carols together, "all of us. I miss it now."

Anastacio said he had always said he wanted to live to be 100 years old, "but we've been living long enough. We're ready for Him to come get us. It's been a beautiful life. Everything is great."

He said he didn't feel like it had been 70 years. "We've had ups and downs. In the time we've been together, we have had hard times and good times, sweet and bitter times. She's always been patient with me."

"We've never been very sick," Consuelo said. "We've been very fortunate."

"Our long marriage has been filled with a lot of love and a LOT of patience," Consuelo laughed and hugged her husband's arm. "God has let us live this long to see all our grandkids."

A family tree with thumbprints