Ronald and Janet Earnest of Butler celebrated 50 years of marriage on New Year's Day. A family gathering was held Saturday.

The former Janet Alwine married Earnest on Jan. 1, 1955.

They have four children, Peg Mendez of Natrona Heights, Rhonda Fritcher of California, Deborah Letke of Eau Claire and Ronald Earnest of Butler. Two sons are deceased. They also have several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ronald retired from Pullman-Standard after 28 years.

Both are former employees of a factory in Tuscon, Ariz., where they resided for several years.