Ernest and Jean Oesterling of Meridian celebrated 50 years of marriage recently with an open house at the Meridian Fire Hall, hosted by their children and grandchildren.

The former Jean Sloan married Oesterling on Nov. 28, 1955, at Mount Nebo Presbyterian Church in Whitetown.

They have two children, John Oesterling of Meridian and Connie Oesterling of Charlotte, N.C.

They also have two granddaughters.

Oesterling retired from Sprint in 1994, after 36 years of service.

Mrs. Oesterling retired from Elder Insurance in 1995, after 34 years of service.

The couple belongs to Meridian United Presbyterian Church. They enjoy spending their winters in North Fort Myers, Fla.