Edythe and Johnny Sands, 1961

Ervin W. (Johnny) Sands and the former Edythe Marie Ruble will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on June 30.

The couple was united in marriage in 1961 by minister A. M. Gillespie at the Church of Christ in Steelton. 

Serving as maid of honor was Mary Riggenbach; bridesmaids, Bobbi Hoffman, Regina Persing, and Janet Steele. Best man was Arlis Hinkle; groomsman, Roger Ruble, Eddie Holsberry, and Bill Sorsby; ring bearer was Billy Wayne; and flower girl was Myra Hart.

Ervin is step-son of the late Ronald Hinkle and son of the late Thelma Davis Hinkle of New Martinsville.

Ervin attended Magnolia High School. He then went on to have a career of 23 years in Air Force with service in Vietnam. He has since retired and now enjoying retirement in Florida.

Edythe is the daughter of Velma Dulaney Ruble and the late Thomas Harold Ruble.

She graduated from Magnolia High School in 1960 and worked in various jobs in places they lived and is retired now.

They have two daughters, Lisa and Melissa. Lisa has two children–Jennifer and Michael. Jenn has two children, Kaylea and Amber. Michael has one child, Elizabeth Marie. Melissa has three children–Jassimine Mae, Ronnie, and CJ.

The family will be celebrating with a small party.