Nancy and William McDowell

William and Nancy McDowell of Butler celebrated 50 years of marriage recently. A picnic for family and friends is planned in the spring.

The former Nancy Weitzel married McDowell on Jan. 28, 1956, in Butler.

They have nine children, William McDowell Jr. and Nancy Chuba, both of Prospect; Beverly McDowell, Dianne Crowe, Patricia Space, Suzanne McDowell and David McDowell, all of Butler; Kimberly Valensky of West Sunbury; and Ronald McDowell of Saxonburg.

They also have 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

McDowell is retired from Armco. He is a member of the Butler County Pilots Association and the Moose Lodge of Butler.

Mrs. McDowell is also retired.

The couple belongs to St. Peter Roman Catholic Church.