Elmer and Carol Ann Zimmerman Stoltzfus celebrated their 50th anniversary with a surprise celebration.

Elmer and Carol began dating after traveling to Guatemala on a youth mission trip in June 1972. They were married on March 29, 1975, at Calvary Monument Bible Church, Paradise, by the Rev. Clarence Lefever. They currently reside in Willow Street and formerly lived in Akron.

They are the parents of Jeremy Stoltzfus, husband of Djaneta Ciobotari; Coralie Amy Marble, wife of Jay Marble; and the grandparents of four.

The anniversary celebration was held at the home of Jeremy and Djaneta. Djaneta's mother, Ana, was able to attend, as she was visiting from Moldova. The Stoltzfuses will also celebrate with a family trip to Massanutten Resort in Virginia in July.

Elmer has been an over-the-road truck driver for 55 years, the last 35 of which he has worked for Dart Container in Leola. Elmer continues to work as a yard jockey at Dart in Lancaster.

Carol is retired. She worked for the gift shop at Good 'N Plenty Restaurant for 15 years and Huber, Drewes, & Kendig for many years during income tax season. She now volunteers at New Hope Community Closet in Quarryville.

Elmer and Carol greeted people at Calvary Church, Lancaster, for many years, and they now attend Grace Church at Willow Valley, Willow Street.