Judy and Rick Johnson of Richland celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on April 30 with a surprise celebration at the Kiona Vineyards Winery with family and friends. It was hosted by their children and their families.

They were married May 5, 1961, at the Central United Protestant Church in Richland.

Rick and Judy grew up in the Tri-Cities and graduated from Columbia High School in 1959. They both attended Columbia Basin College.

After living 33 years in Wenatchee, the couple returned home to Richland in 2004.

Judy is a homemaker and volunteered at their children's schools and played an active role in their various sports activities. She also worked part-time in retail sales. She is a seamstress and gardener and enjoys reading.

Rick obtained an education in personnel management and labor law and began a 33-year career in labor relations and human resource management. Initially he was a business representative for the Operating Engineers, Local 280, followed by serving as administrative assistant for the Hanford Atomic Metal Trades Council.

During the next 28 years he was a labor relations coordinator for the Central Washington Public Utilities and director of human resources at Chelan County PUD in Wenatchee. He retired in 1997. Rick was a volunteer coach for 19 years in girls fastpitch softball, AAU basketball, and youth baseball. He enjoys fly fishing and fly tying and is active in the Columbia Basin Flycasters.

They have four children: Wendi (Rick) Damerval of Richland, Scott (Britten) Johnson of Spokane, Stacy (David) Fairchild of Auburn and Kent (Sarah Evenson) Johnson of Bainbridge Island.

They have 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.