Alberta Rodes

Alberta Rodes
June 5, 1929 - September 5, 2014
Elna Alberta Rodes, 85, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 5, 2014 following a stroke suffered the previous day. For almost 65 years she served alongside her husband and love of her life, Ron Rodes, in pastoral ministry and on adventures that took them to Fiji and India as well as across the street (and across the sanctuary aisle), inviting others to a joyful and Jesus-centered life.
Alberta was born to R. C. and Gracie (Hacker) Gunstream on June 5, 1929 in Portales, New Mexico, the fourth of five children. It was not an easy life and money was scarce, but it was a rich life in the most important ways. She loved music and learned to play the piano and cello. Singing was always part of her life, including a recording with a trio during her teenaged years. She was 16 years of age when she first met a young sailor named Ronald Rodes, and had just graduated from Albuquerque High School and celebrated her 18th birthday when she married him on June 8, 1947. She was glad to have married a businessman who would be taking over his father's clothing store in downtown Clovis, NM rather than a farmer or a preacher. But the sailor decided he'd rather farm than dust hats and fold shirts, so it wasn't long before they moved onto a farm near Melrose, NM. They had little else besides each other and a deep joy that sustained them. During the farming years, she gave birth to two sons, David and Randy, and demonstrated early on her commitment and ability to raise them well and to show them the way of the Lord.
Later, while farming near Ranchvale, NM Ron sensed the call of God to preach and in 1956 they moved to Roswell, NM to pastor Central Church of the Nazarene. That year they welcomed a third son, Stan, to their tight living quarters in the church where this small congregation worshipped. Whether leading choirs, women's Bible studies, or teaching youth or adult Sunday School, Alberta served in many capacities in their pastorates in Roswell, Albuquerque (Los Altos Nazarene), Colorado Springs, CO (Trinity Nazarene), Meridian, ID (Valley Shepherd Nazarene), Spokane, WA (First Nazarene, where Ron served as associate pastor), and Caldwell, ID (Canyon Hill). She also played a key role in Ron's many pastoral interim assignments during their retirement years, encouraging and uplifting congregations in transition.
Alberta lived deeply in the Word of God and in the reality of a vital relationship with Jesus whom she had come to know at an early age. She was a gifted musician and teacher of the Word. In the midst of trial and hardship, she demonstrated a grace that was borne of a confidence that God is faithful to all His promises. Alberta exhibited a joy that showed up in the deep dimples that emerged when she smiled as well as in the strength with which she carried on under pressure. Her ability to go with the flow of raising three boys was noteworthy. She was nurturing and constant in her love as well as consistent in her expectations. Above all, she prayed for them. Her daughters-in-law were as precious to her as her own. She deeply loved every grandchild (and spouse) and each great-grandchild. She prayed for them faithfully and was an example to them of what it means to truly know and follow Jesus. To her dying day she endeavored to invite others to relationship with Jesus, looking for opportunities to share her faith as she listened to their needs and burdens.
Alberta is survived by her three sons and their spouses, David (Lynette), Randy (Reeni), and Stan (Cindy), 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren and 8 step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald A. Rodes (2011), a sister (Bertelle Gunstream Crosby), two brothers (Jarrell Gunstream and Nelman Gunstream), and a daughter-in-law (Mae Briggs Rodes).
The family will greet the public at a viewing at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel on Tuesday, September 9, from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 10, at 11:30 a.m. at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, 601 16th Ave. S., Nampa, Idaho. Memories and condolences may be sent to an online guest book at www.nampafuneralhome.com
The family suggests that, in light of Ron & Alberta's enduring investment in the New Mexico District Campground, memorial gifts be given to Bonita Park Nazarene Camp, c/o New Mexico District Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 640, Tijeras, NM 87059. Gifts may also be given to Meridian Vineyard