It's lasted longer than most marriages and today boasts 455 members.

It's the Butler Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees and members recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the organization.

Established in 1964, it's open to any person retired from a Butler County School district. The first area president was Robert Elder. Today's president is Lorraine Kesterson. She's proud of her organization and what it can provide.

"It is to make life better financially and to support and aid the retirees of the school districts," she said. "One of our committees makes sure that our members are aware of the vision and dental and home care insurance that is available to them at lower cost.

"Now we are trying to get locally-owned companies to give their services at a reduced rate to members of the Butler chapter."

Working with the organization has given Kesterson a higher purpose.

"It has opened the opportunity to serve the school retirees of Butler County. It has shown me the amount of volunteer work they do," she said. "I really admire the works they do statewide."

Membership includes retired administrators, teachers, secretaries, janitors, food service workers and anyone else who has retired from a school district.

They contribute to the Reading is Fundamental program at the Butler County Children's Center and a book scholarship program at Butler County Community College.

One of the greatest services of the organization, however, is how it supports members who are sick or confined with visits and birthday and seasonal cards. Members aid victims of catastrophes and those who experience financial setbacks. They also acknowledge those who are aging.

"What we have done every two years is honor the members who are 90-plus," Kesterson said. "I personally delivered the plaques to people who weren't there and they were so appreciative."

More than 450 guests, including the president of the state PASR Don Casto and a past president, R. Eugene Hummel, attended a lunch at Butler Days Inn to celebrate the anniversary.

Next gathering will be at the statewide convention, which will take place September in Lancaster. Five area delegates will attend, including Kesterson.