Bill and Lana Graaf will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Dec. 31. The couple was united in marriage Dec. 31, 1963 in Washington, Pa. by Justice of the Peace James Dallesandro.

Bill, the son of the late Wallace Graaf and Eleanor Graaf Roberts, retired after 25 years of service with GTE. His wife, Lana, the daughter of Belva Williams and the late Harold Williams, was a homemaker during that time.

After Bill retired from GTE, the couple worked together for 12 years as express delivery drivers, which they used as one avenue to see the country. Frequently, they took time off to tour and visit places of interest.

The couple has two children. Their son, Bill Graaf Jr. of Lexington, Ohio, has four children; Isabella, Baily, Sean, and Dakota Graaf, also of Lexington, Ohio. Daughter Mickey and husband, Mike, of Celina, Ohio, have two daughters; Jennifer Davis of Jersey City, N.J. and Melissa Mucha of Highland, Ind. with husband, TJ, and son, Owen.

On Dec. 21, a surprise open house was held at the Eagles in St. Clairsville. The couple plan to celebrate their anniversary with a trip at a later date.