Jessie and Arnold Couch of Murrayville celebrated their 50th anniversary on Feb. 20, 2009. A family dinner was held in their honor in Gainesville and hosted by their children Ronnie and Kathy Sammons, Gary and Patti Copeland and Mike and Tina Couch.

The couple met on a summer day when Jessie was on a school field trip to Vogel State Park. Jessie climbed up on a stump and jumped off. Arnold caught her in his arms. The couple said it was love at first sight and married shortly afterward.

The couple have three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.