GOSHEN — Vernon and Nettie (Schrock) Bontrager are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this month.

They were married Jan. 21, 1943, at Goshen.

The couple is celebrating with a celebration of marriage open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, in the Lower Level Meeting Room at Waterford Crossing, 1212 Waterford Circle, Goshen. Family and friends are invited. The couple requests no gifts but cards are welcome.

Mr. Bontrager is retired from Petrolane Gas Co. Mrs. Bontrager is a homemaker.

They have eight children, Eileen (Alvin) Miller, Leonard (Judy) Bontrager, Clifford (Julia) Bontrager, Ruby (Richard) Beachy, Phyllis Ramer, Myron (Dana) Bontrager, Arloa (Rohrer) Bontrager-Bomberger and the late Glendon (Patty, surviving) Bontrager.

They also have 18 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Bontrager have been active members of Roselawn Mennonite Church in Middlebury for many years. He has enjoyed gardening, reading and puzzles and is a volunteer grader for Gospel Echoes Prison Ministry Bible Studies. She enjoys crocheting and baking and is well-known for her homemade bread and cookies.