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Ralph J. Sander Jr.

Ralph Sander Obituary

Ralph J. SANDER, Jr. Was born May 13, 1933 in Seattle to the late Rev. Ralph "Brother Ralph" and Rose Sander. He was schooled in the Seattle/Portland area and attended high school on Vashon Island. He pastored here in the Seattle area for 48 years. He officiated at hundreds of funerals in the last 20 years and loved the people he served and his church, New Day Ministries. He died at home surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Darlene; daughters, Debra Rupert and her husband, Dan of Tukwila; and Sandra Sander of Seattle. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 18th, 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Christian Assembly (formerly Calvary Temple) 6801 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle. Burial will be private. Acacia Funeral Home. 206 362-5525.

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Published by The Seattle Times from Nov. 16 to Nov. 17, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Sander

23 Entries

Laquawana Brown Hill

July 26, 2022

I am 80 years old and I was saved when I was 5 years old my brother Ralph J Sanders senior, while listening to him on the radio preach and at that time he had a little girl who always sang a song called I am going to a city where the Roses Never Fade!! I will never forget the day that Jesus came into my life I was listening to the radio program and tears were streaming down my face and my mom said what is the matter with you and I said I don't know but listen to this guy!! Jesus has been so real to me ever since and I will never forget brother Ralph Jay Sanders or that little girl that sang the song.

Gary Dunn

December 30, 2021

Dear Darlene,
I was a Northwest Bible student in 1950. I attended Revival Center and I played the white grand piano once jn awhile. I so remember the presence of `the Holy Spirit in the meetings. I remember you and Marilyn singing "Lights of Home",also remember Larry and Frances Gustaphson, Norm Sandberg and Frank Morgan. I now an 89 yr old,still loving Jesus. Darlene I am praying for you and yours.
Love in Jesus.
Gary Dunn

Irene Foster (Herboldt)

February 18, 2021

I attended CT as a young child and as a teenager, joined the Sunday evening choir until I graduated HS. Then Pastor Sanders married my husband and I in 1971. I really enjoyed my time there.

Jean Marchand

November 27, 2020

I actually attended Ralph's father's church at the Moore Theatre in Seattle, as a little girl! I was Pentecostal, and loved those services and the messages that were preached! Then, in my 20s, I attended Christian Temple while Ralph and Darlene were there, and was fed spiritually, and really was blessed with the good music! I loved Darlene's music and, over the many years since, I have continued to keep them in my prayers, although I lost complete contact with them. I continued to lift them up to God, that He would help them, and bless them, and keep them safe! I have wondered what became of them, and have kept them in continued prayers. I am so sad to hear of Ralph's passing. My sincere condolences to all family members. I am now in my 70s. My sincere condolences to all family members.
Jean Marchand in Seattle. 11/27/2020

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Janette R

October 8, 2020

Rev Ralph J Sander Jr ! Thank You for that time you prayed for me! Wonderful minister! I am now 33yrs clean & sober!

Terry Ash

December 27, 2018

Ralph, Darlene and Christian Temple played a vital role in our lives. Our lives are eternally blessed because they were in it.

Luther Allman

December 5, 2006

Darlene, Debbie, Sandy, just heard of Ralph's passing yesterday from my ex-wife, Carolyn who was told by Andre and Sandra Crouch who she saw at the airport as they boarded a plane. Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences. I remember fondly the great times we had at Christian Temple and the fellowship we had with you and Ralph, Dorrie and Warren, and your sister and her husband. Its hard to believe that has been over 40 years ago! My girls, Lisa, Kim and Donna, are now in their forties with families of their own. I will let them know about Ralph's homegoing. God bless.

Kathi Peterson

November 24, 2006

Dear Darlene, Jim and I were so sorry to learn of Pastor Ralph's passing. I was drawn to Christian Temple in the mid-60's while attending S.P.C (at that time) and especially loved the music on Sunday nights. C.T. was our home church for so many years. Pastor Ralph married us and dedicated our sons Jeff and Joel as babies. All our friends were from C.T. You and Pastor Ralph welcomed us all, and through your ministry, led so many people to the Lord through music and the Word. Pastor Ralph officiated at my father's funeral. I remember his message regarding the importance of reinvesting love from one to others. Jim and I have thought of you both so often over the years and want you to know you'll be in our prayers at this difficult time.

Suzy Smith-Busilacchi

November 20, 2006

Darlene, Debbie and Sandy...
No one will ever replace your wonderful Husband and Father. He was one of a kind. We never will forget him. We'll just adjust to being without him until we meet again. Our sweet memories of him will help fill those empty moments. He adored the three of you and you will always have that to cherish. I'm grateful to know the Sander family. I'm always here for a hug. XXX Lips

Dawn Robinson

November 20, 2006

Dear Sanders Family: I was really sad to hear of Pastor Ralph's passing. I really enjoyed the times I went to Christian Temple.
Dawn Robinson (daughter of Ron & Patti Lynch)

Ron Lynch Jr.

November 20, 2006

Dear Darlene,

Words do not express the gratitude I have for being a part of Ralphs life and having him and your whole family a part of ours. There are few people whose impact is felt so far and wide and I feel the resonance of Ralph Sanders character in my walk every day. His tremendous humor and ability to communicate with every person he touched, in their own speak, was God's gift that he shared every day. I pray for you in this difficult moment knowing we will all rejoice when we are joined again in the greatest celebration of them all!

November 18, 2006

Darlene,
I found out about Ralph going home to be with Jesus, via an email Gary sent. It's very sad, but I'm happy for him being relieved of the pain and agony.We will continue to pray for you and your family as you grieve for him. The great comforter will wrap His arms around you. You both were so wonderful to me during my brief time of interaction with you when I was in Seattle.
Sincerely,
Richard & Omega (Uganda)

Patti Lynch

November 18, 2006

Dear Darlene, Debbie, Dan, and Sandy,
We were saddened to hear about the death of your beloved Ralph. Please know that our prayers are with all of you. We love you.
Ron and Patti Lynch

Don and Debbie Brumfield

November 18, 2006

Darlene and family,
We have so many good memories of the years we spent under your and Ralph's ministry. It was a precious time of spiritual growth in our lives. We were sorry to hear of your loss but know that today Ralph is rejoycing with our Lord. Love and prayers to you all.

Irv and Joy Hardin

November 17, 2006

Darlene
We know Ralph will be greatly missed and Irv and I were so glad we could attend services with my brother, Ervin, in Seattle. Think of the "happy memories", Darlene. It will ease the pain. We know Jesus will fill the void and he is at rest and peace now. Ervin thought so highly of him. Yes, he will be missed.

Love, Irving and Joy

lee Nokleby

November 17, 2006

Dear Darlene and Family
May the Lord give you the grace and strength you need at this time.
Sonny was a great example for me in so many ways.Love and Prayers
Cousin Lee Nokleby

Craig Lohr

November 17, 2006

Darlene, Debra and Dan,
My thoughts are with you. I had many good times with Ralph, standing out in the bitter cold and blowing rain in places like Crown Hill Cemetery and the both of us wondering why they don't have a retractable roof. With Darlene parked up at the entrance waiting for us to get done with the committal service in the nice warm car!!

Thanks most of all for his genuine ways, and the compassion he exemplified for all. He is someone I’ll always remember especially all little discussions we shared about life.

It has been a pleasure knowing your family.
Keep singin’, playin’ and Preachin’

Love,
Craig Lohr
Undertaker from Wiggen & Sons

Ruth Donohue

November 17, 2006

Sonny is now home at last. All well with his big smile shaking hands with the saints. He will be missed so much here but God has bigger and better plans for him now.Love and prayers Dick House's sister Ruth Donohue

Dayna Evans

November 17, 2006

Darlene,
I was so sorry to hear about Ralph's home going. Wish I could be there in person to give hugs. My prayers will be with you and the rest of the family in the days ahead. While our communications were only at Christmas I have great memories of being at Revival Center as a little girl and I am glad that we have remained in contact all these years. God Bless you with His Peace that passes all understanding. I will be in touch soon by snail mail.

Vic and Kathy Varis

November 17, 2006

Dear Darlene-- We are thinking of you and your beautiful family. You and Ralph always have a special place in our hearts-- any good things that come out of our lives have to point back to you both. We love you very much!

Marc Oliver

November 17, 2006

Darlene,
Thinking of you during your time of loss. May God's love continue to bring you comfort. Love, Marc

Frannie, Barbara, Pat, and Linda Gustafson

November 16, 2006

Dear Darlene: We extend our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family--many memories of brighter days linger with us still.

Greg Tutmarc

November 16, 2006

I was saddened to read the news this morning of the passing of Pastor Sander. He and his wife Darlene have been such good friends and supporters of our family through the years. I remember many wonderful musical programs at Christian Temple in years past. I will miss the enthusiastic and warm greetings I received from him everytime we would run into each other at various church programs. May God be with your family in this time of sorrow. Greg and Brenda Tutmarc

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