Jim and Jeannette Ruffing, of Penn Hills, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 20. The couple has five children: Jim (wife Grace), Jeff, Joe (wife Clara), John (wife Cathy), and Jerry (wife Laurie). They also have seven grandchildren: Jessica, Katelyn, Jeffrey, Julia, Taylor, Michael and Emma.

Q: How did you meet?

Jeannette: Because of a Trolley Strike in 1958, we became travel companions for life. Before that day, however, we hadn't known each other, even though we lived only a few blocks away all of our lives.

Q: Who introduced you?

Jeannette: Carol Hoolahan introduced us. She is now deceased.

Q: Where did you each grow up?

Jeannette: We both grew up in Pittsburgh's East End.

Q:Who proposed? How?

Jeannette: Jim proposed a few minutes before we went out on a double date.

Q: Where were you married? Why did you choose that site?

Jeannette: We were married at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church where we were both parishioners.

Q: Where was the reception and honeymoon? Why did you choose those sites?

Jim: The reception was in the Ateleta Beneficial Association Hall in Bloomfield where Jeannette's father had been one of the original founders.

Q: What is your favorite wedding memory?

Jeannette: We enjoyed the entire day and spending it with all of our family and friends.

Q: What is the secret to your successful marriage?

Jeannette: Our "secret" is having patience and giving problems a second consideration.

Q: What activity do you enjoy doing most as a couple?

Jeannette: We enjoy traveling and spending time with our family and friends.

Q: How did you celebrate your anniversary?

Jeannette: Our sons and their wives arranged a fabulous dinner and celebration at the Carlton Restaurant located in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Other details: We are able to celebrate our anniversary through the grace of God and thanks to the help of our family and friends.

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