Russell Lee and Donna Fritz celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary Aug. 31 at their country home in Freetown.
Russell and the former Donna Anderson were married Aug. 31, 1956, at Freetown Church of Christ. Brother Marion Ellis officiated.
The couple are the parents of four children, Craig (Kathy) Fritz of Brownstown, Charlene Mellencamp, Wayne (Sherri) Fritz of Freetown and Eric (Laura) Fritz of Columbus. They have 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Donna was a former employee of Arvin Industries from 1953 to 1960 and Cummins Engine Co. from 1977 to 1999, retiring as a mechanical engineering technician with 22 years of service. She was a freelance writer and photographer for The Republic and also wrote many articles for both The Jackson County Banner and The Tribune.
She is a member of Freetown Church of Christ, Loyal Daughters, former youth teacher and choir member, Freetown Improvement Association, Jackson County Christian Women’s Fellowship and a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years. She is a member of the National Federation of Press Women and also of the Women’s Press Club of Indiana for 44 years.
Russell was a former employee of Arvin Industries and worked with Neal Paint and Wallpaper in Columbus from 1956 to 1981 when he and his wife purchased the business. They later sold the business to their sons, Wayne and Eric Fritz, in 1998.
He was a charter member of the Pershing Township Volunteer Fire Department, an officer of the Jackson County Christian Men’s Fellowship, past member of the Columbus Kiwanis Club, a member of the building committee for the Freetown Community Center and on the board of directors of the Freetown Improvement Association.
He was a member of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Downtown Development Association, Silver Valley quartet and Messengers quartet for many years.
He is a member of Freetown Church of Christ, where he has served as teacher, song leader, choir member, deacon and elder.