Montgomery City parish celebrates longevity in Holy Matrimony

Feb. 14 was a special Valentine’s Day for 21 couples of Immaculate Conception Parish in Montgomery City who have been married for 50 years or more.

The Montgomery City conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul treated the couples to an annual Valentine’s Day event.

The day began with 10 a.m. Mass and a special blessing and anointing from Father Ernest Dike, pastor.

After Mass, everyone met at the Knights of Columbus Hall for lunch. The meal started with salad, fruit and muffins, followed by ham, potatoes and green beans.

Emcee Jerry Witthaus entertained the couples with a PowerPoint presentation highlighting a collection of photos of the couples.

A champagne toast was given by the emcee, and cake made by Geri Park was served to all.

Individual photos were taken by Ruth Ann O’Keefe with a beautiful backdrop and decorations provided by Debbie Heidelberger.

James Longstreet and the kitchen crew prepared the meal.

In attendance were: Leroy and Betty Hanneken (63 years), Bill and Margie Cobb (61 years), Richard and Carole Bainbridge (59 years), Tom and Margo Nichols (56 years), Denis and Mary Dickherber (55 years), Don and Lila Broz (53 years), Ron and Dianne Talley (53 years), Pat and Janet Stumbaugh (52 years), Charlie and Pat Korman (51 years), Don and Sandy Oakes (51 years), Harold and Sharon Pottebaum (51 years), and Glen and Pamela Landolt (50 years).

Eight couples were unable to attend: Richard and Shirley Arens (67 years), Tony and Laverne Wessel (64 years), Charles and Judy Nelson (61 years), John and Ruth Schneider (56 years), Steve and Kathy Holtz (52 years), Terry and Vicki Parker (52 years), David and Mary Falloon (52 years), George and Pricilla Banfield (51 years), and Barry and Jane Hubbard (50 years).