Michael and Sharon Howell, Hays, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, Jan. 24 with a dinner hosted by their children in Blue Springs, Mo.

Children of the couple are Chris Howell, Hays; Doug Howell and wife, Lujeana, Stockton; and Melissa Shellito and husband, Kelby, Blue Springs.

The couple have nine grandchildren, Kirstin and Kregg Howell, Minneapolis, Kan.; Bryan Howell, Gorham; Trenton, Dylan and Hunter Howell, Stockton; Carson Shellito, Blue Springs; and Ethan and Austin Shellito, Spring Hill.

Michael Howell and Sharon Hurlbut were married Jan. 24, 1970, in Russell.