When people are married for 58 years I believe it is worthy of a historical cheer and story.
My husband and I met Ralph and Elaine Gardner at a new church we began attending. Our pastor from a previous congregation had left for another calling. These two people introduced themselves as the Gardners and I remember Elaine’s bright smile and Ralph’s firm handshake. When it came to serving communion Ralph was all over doing that since he had been a pastor and chaplain himself. When you came with a prayer request that Sunday they never hesitated. Elaine kept records of birthdays and anniversaries. When you find them as friends, they are seriously committed. They showed themselves to be true servants of Jesus,
Elaine gave her heart to Jesus at age 6 and was baptized at 9. She grew up in the state of Oregon. Ralph was 12 and while reading his grandmother’s Bible also committed his life to Jesus. He went to Bible camp, was baptized and began serving Jesus. Neither of them regretted their decisions to choose Jesus.
Ralph and Elaine Gardener met at Simpson’s Bible College, in San Francisco, CA. Elaine was a senior when Ralph came in as a freshman. The two were married, August 29,1964. Ralph served in the US Navy from 1959 to 1962. He trained as a pollywog while in the Navy. They are special people and are determined to be very seaworthy men. Which explains why God had a special calling for Ralph. Originally pollywogs were from the seafaring days of old. When ships were moved by the wind and only waves and ores. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard have well-established line-crossing rituals. Sailors who have already crossed the Equator are nicknamed as such. While still in the Navy, Jesus showed Ralph, John 15:16 that He was choosing him to mentor his sail mates and their hearts like the waves could go either way. Seems like Ralph was taking this calling seriously. Ralph left the Navy in 1962 to follow more of what Jesus was calling him to do Elaine and Ralph had two sons which gave them 6 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Elaine told me Ralph was called into the ministry, but I know too well when one is chosen the spouse is called also. They served in 7 different churches in 6 different states. I do know at one point they gave up living in a house and traveled by RV. Their first church to pastor was in Fair Oaks, CA. Then for forty years they would go to MT, PA, MN, DE and AL. Ralph would serve as chaplain at Hospitals and Hospice with the Nashville, TN VA in 1995. Elaine, I know was sharing the love of Jesus wherever she went while working at the VA in Nashville.TN. as well, Ralph would have been a large heart for anyone facing hospice.
I had a wonderful grandmother myself one who showed me faith and what true love was all about. After talking to Elaine, I learned she too was introduced to a loving Jesus and how to follow Him by her own mother. She not only set an example for Elaine but did exhibit one it for Elaine to follow that example. Ralph, himself also followed his grandmother’s example and gave his heart to Jesus while he was visiting her. These two have set examples and a bright light to everyone they have met.
You can see their love for one another by how they are devoted to each other. The only one they love more than each other is Jesus Himself. I pray that I can be so blessed to leave such a legacy for other people I meet. Before Thanksgiving 2022 Ralph fell and broke a hip while visiting his son in Iowa. Elaine remained with Ralph until he was able to return to their home in Tennessee. Things were proceeding then on December 30. Ralph fell and broke his other hip. Elaine again was in caretaker mode. Ralph had surgery and was placed into physical therapy. Elaine is a prayer warrior herself but sent out many requests for healing for Ralph. These two are a team in Jesus so God was moved to help Ralph and encourage Elaine. Elaine made a point to tell me. she wasn’t perfect but I know God made her a perfect friend, spouse and servant for His kingdom. Thank you, Ralph and Elaine, for allowing me to tell your story,
Thank-you for sharing this beautiful story of such a remarkable couple...a true testimony of God’s love
What a gift it was to meet Elaine and Ralph with you and Mark. It has been a blessing knowing them even in this short time. Thank you for sharing their beautiful story of love and service to God.