Woods celebrate golden anniversary in Hawaii

Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Joy and Woody Woods

Leon (Woody) and Joy Woods were surprised by their children and their families with a trip to Hawaii to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

The couple initially stayed at a resort on Kauai and visited the beaches and scenic areas of the island. They then went to Oahu where they toured Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial, as well as the battleship Missouri floating museum. The Missouri was the battleship where the Japanese surrendered at the end of World War II. Woody was stationed in Pearl Harbor during the war.

They also attended the open house for the LDS Temple in Laie and visited the Polynesian Cultural Center. Run by the Mormon church, the center offers a look at all the major cultures in the Pacific islands. While at the center, they enjoyed a luau and a show featuring native dancing, singing and customs.

"The weather was beautiful," Mrs. Woods said, adding that the islands were "green, green and flowers everywhere."

The couple married in Kemmerer, Wyo., on Nov. 8, 1960.

They have seven children, daughters Gay Swan and Diana Wakefield, and five boys, Devin, Mike, Dan Brett and Kelly Woods. In addition, they have 25 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren "with more still coming," Mrs. Woods said.

The couple offered their thanks to their family "and especially to those who did the work and worrying to get it all together to make a very special time for our 50th anniversary. It only happened because you are all so special."