Billy J. and Georgia Rose (Rosie) McGovern of Oracle celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 22, 2013.
The couple met in Hayden in May 1952. Rosie was a sophomore in high school. She was active in varsity basketball. Billy had recently been discharged after serving four years in the Air Force. A Korean War veteran, Billy had been stationed at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, Calif. After that he worked as an electrician and maintenance foreman for Kennecott Copper Corp. A year later, on Aug. 22, 1953, the couple was married in Tucson.
Billy was born in Hayden and Rosie was born on the Aravaipa.
Billy and Rosie have six children: Kathy (David) of Oracle; Karen (Andrew) of Lancaster, Calif.; Beverly (Karl) of Chandler; Billy (Wendy) of Broken Arrow, Okla.; and Janet (Andrew) of Trinidad, Colo. Jeffrey passed away in 1985.
They have 18 grandchildren: Matthew, Michael, Marie, Arlette, Kelsey, Austin, Breane, Jared, Karlyn, Blake, Ethan, Eric, Ashley, Andrew, Isaac, Benjamin, Jessica, and Aaron. They have 12 great-grandchildren: Nathen, Kayla, Logan, Emma, Elsie, Bronson, Cody, Phoenix, Caleb, Luke, Chloe, and Victoryia.
Billy and Rosie are enjoying retirement and celebrating their 60th anniversary with their large family. They are very grateful for all the years they have shared together.