Panther Valley couple wed 60 years

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Bales of Nesquehoning, formerly of Lansford, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary recently. They were the guests of honor at a dinner attended by family and friends.

They were married Jan. 12, 1952, in St. Ann Catholic Church, Lansford.

They have four children: Ann Louise Stevens of Warminster, Pa.; Paul Bales, deceased; Ida Jean Steele of Summit Hill; and Roberta Bales of Lansford. They also have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The couple owned the former Hotel Aquila, Lansford, for 23 years.

Mr. Bales is a disabled veteran of the Korean War, having served three years in the Army. He retired as a foreman for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation after 30 years of service.

Mrs. Bales is the former supervisor of the Panther Valley High School cafeteria, where she served for 19 years.

After retiring, the couple moved to Boynton Beach, Fla. They resided there for seven years before returning to the area to be closer to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.