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(Page 10, Column 5, please)L.anamarK men Degan me lormauon 01 11s own(Page 10, Column 3, please)crari, baiu me spuKesiuuii ai meIt's been a big year lor Eulalio and MariaBy KATHY PUNCHESSociety EditorNineteen eighty-four has been a big year for Eulalio and Maria Jimenez, 740 Ottawa Ave., Defiance.In February they received their American citizenship, and on Sunday they will mark their 60th wedding anniversary.He came to the U.S. from Mexico in 1920 at the age of 19 to work in the fields.She moved from Mexico to Texas with her parents when she was five.The couple first met in Cotulia, Texas, when Maria was 17. They were married about a year later and began to raise a family. Thirteen of their 14 children were born in Texas; one was born in Minnesota when the family spent some time there working in the sugar beet fields.Speaking with some translation by her daughter, Hope Quinonez, the 78-year-old Maria recalls that raising a large family was not so difficult as she had help from her mother-in-law.Eulalio, 83, spent much time away from his family during those early years as he traveled across the country, going wherever he could find work. When the older sons were able, they, too, worked in the fields.Wanting the security of a full-time job, the father moved his family to Ohio in 1952 after he was employed at Defiance’s GM Central Foundry. They lived in the Jewell, Standley and Okolona areas until 1962, when they settled in Defiance.Hope remembers her childhood as a happy time. “Our cousins always liked to come and stay with us when we lived out in the country.“There was a lot of love and happiness. We had some great times. ” She speaks of her parents with admiration and respect, recallingSPECIAL YEAR - Eulalio and Marla Jimenez of Defiance have hadplenty to celebrate the past few months. In February they received their American citizenship and this Sunday will observe their 60th wedding anniversary. Crescent-News Photo by Kathy Punches.that her mother made all of the children’s clothes, constructing patterns from newspaper.Says her mother: “The family always came first. My husband took care of me and always provided everything. ”The couple has been happy living in the U.S. and has always considered it their home. But the years slipped by, and not knowing the proper procedure, they never attained their citizenship. Finally, with the aid of local resident Frances Voigt, they filled out the necessary forms, were interviewed, and on Feb. 13 were part of a swearing-in ceremony in Toledo.The father speaks proudly of three sons and four grandchildren who have served in the armed forces — another reason they wanted to become citizens.“I have lived here 60 years,” he says. “I have always been content and happy. I have 10 sons and never had any of them in trouble with the law.”His wife nods affirmatively. “I am happy that I have lived in the United States. My children were born and raised here. This has always been my country.”They remain active, enjoying their 12 living children, 41 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.Since his retirement in 1966, Jimenez has kept himself busy doing repair work and gardening. She does needlework and gardening, and they both enjoy the company of their friends who visit them and take them to church activities.Says their daughter, “Their being so active has kept them young and healthy.”The mother chuckles when asked her key to a long and happy life “Stay at home. Don’t go out. And don’t drink. ”
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