Remembering Diane Gamble
Our God was very gracious to bless us with Diane. If you have memories or stories you’d like to share of her role in your life, please do so in the comments below.
Update:
The Gambles have set the time and date for Diane’s memorial service. It will be here at Grace Community Church, at 1:00PM, on Wednesday, March 26. Diny loved our children, please don’t hesitate to bring them. Following, there will be a processional and graveside service in Carson City, also open to all.
More details will follow.
Update #2:
There is be a viewing on Tuesday evening, March 25th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Walton’s Funeral Home, 1521 Church Street, at Highway 395 in Gardnerville.
I loved all those Sunday mornings I got to get ready for church while listening to KNIS Kids Corner…with Uncle Bob, God's Top Ten, and especially Mrs. Gamble reading to us at the end. She read "A Basket of Flowers" once and I'll never forget it. I can't wait to see her again.
Diny was such a blessing in my life. She was a friend, sister and co-worker. I was an assistant house parent for awhile but we worked at KNIS together.
I once asked if I was pronouncing a name right. Bill said I was right. Diny put her head out of her studio and said, "Stop showing off and get back to work." She was a one of a kind.
Diny was a huge blessing to me and my family. We moved here in 2002 to be house parents at City of Refuge and she was my rock. She came alongside me in love to encourage me and to correct me. She made me laugh a lot! She was there for the birth of Silas and as a support in recent trials. Just thinking of her makes me smile. I love her very much and though I will miss her greatly I am very thankful her home going was quick and she is now where all believers long to be with our God. My prayers are with Dave, Mark, Christy and Aedan.
What a true blessing Diny was for me! She was an amazing woman that helped me to become the woman that I am today she was wise, sarcastic, and loving she will be greatly missed by Ryan and me.
"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:12
I was blessed by Diane's transparency, her childlike faith, and how she wasn't pretentious. I will miss seeing the long line of children waiting for treats from her at church. I will miss her voice on Pilgrim radio. She finished well, praise to God. MSW
I remember when Grace, Austin Longton, and myself were little, we were once found by Dave racing our wagons down the hill in front of their house. Unfortunately for us, he had just seeded the whole hillside to have grass. So when he saw, he came out yelling, waving his arms, and looking generally terrifying. It was a long miserable speech resulting in all three heads practically falling off in shame. Diny came out and calmed Dave down a little, before swatting each of us on the backside. There was a lot of eye rolling and those lovely quirky grins dispensed on each of us for the next month or two.
To grow up with her as an example of love for the hurting and the weak…it was an immense blessing. I will never forget her unfailing generosity and sincerity in everything she did. To think that she is in the presence of the Lord singing the Song of Moses is all joy!!!!
Praying constantly for Dave, Mark, Christie, and Aedan.
Diny has a special place in the hearts of all the children at Grace. Her kind and generous nature was a blessing to many. To help our little ones place her face with a name we said, "You know, the candy lady." They cried when they heard she went to heaven but one of ours said, "It's kind of neat though because she went to sleep and then when she woke up she was in heaven." In a prayer later, one of our little ones prayed, "I hope that she is having a good time with God in heaven." She always reminded me of the preciousness and sweetness of children, and to treasure them. We will miss her. The Palmers
I woke up this morning, checked my emails and saw that Mrs. Gamble had gone to be with our Lord. We lived out at City of Refuge for 7 years and in the first month, I walked into the main house with a snake, so excited at my find, and placed it directly in front of her face. I have never seen anyone move faster across a room. She kindly forgave me and I remembered to leave the slinky-slimy types out of her area (for the most part). She always showed immense patience with me and I can never thank her or Dave enough for giving me my first pet, Scramplish.
Thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Gamble and the family, God give you all much peace and comfort.
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I didn’t know Diane well until I started studying New Testament Greek at Grace. (I always called her Diane. I’m not good with nicknames.) She had been in the class for a while when I joined it. We had such fun. We were learning language, studying the Bible and enjoying the camaraderie of being in a like-minded group full of banter. I loved her sense of humor, and often think of the phrase she used to say to remember some vocab: blepo nekron (the Greek alphabet isn’t working on the blog). Those were sweet times.
I was blessed to have a brief conversation with her on Sunday. I complimented her on another lovely multi-colored outfit and we hugged. I will hold on to that fond memory. Our family will miss her, but rejoices in the knowledge that her worldly trials are over. We will support Dave, Mark and the extended family in any way we can as they learn once more to find joy without her smiling presence.
Having lived at Refuge when I was pregnant with my oldest son, Harrison, I have soooo many memories and funny stories to share. I couldn't possibly share them all. One I remember regularly is when Diny was learning Greek. All us girls in the house were in the computer room one night while Diny was in the great room practicing her Greek alphabet…. "ALPHA, BETA, GAMMA… ALPHA, BETA, GAMMA" Over and over again…. All the girls were laughing and trying not to let Diny hear us. Finally it got sooo bad that she DID hear us and she was getting mad. She yelled "WHAT IN THE WORLD IS SOOOO FUNNY, GIRLS?" We told her it sounded like she was chanting and we thought it was funny. Obviously, she was not amused until the next time she was practicing….. she did eventually laugh about it with us. :)
Dave and Diane will always hold a very special place in my heart. Diane was a wonderful woman and loved us all beyond words. Even though this is a sad reason to come together, I look forward to seeing everyone next week for her memorial.
I grew up listening to Diane on KNIS, and only met her in person 20 years later at City of Refuge. I can't read the The Priestly Blessing without hearing her lovely voice, and I hope that never changes.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
My heart is so heavy as I write this. Diane, you and Dave have such a special place in my heart. After living at Refuge and having you two as my role models, I'm blessed to have known you. You brought brightness to my as a young adult. You gave me hope and encouragement, and my son Jordan and I are forever grateful. You are full of compassion and both have hearts of gold. Diane, you will be missed by many, all the lives you have touched and the children's lives you've blessed. You were loved by everyone who knew you. I love you…… Rebekah
Thank you got posting this. I can hear her saying it.
Mrs. Gamble was a dear friend. Ever since I was little she would hand out candy, but I would go to her just to get a hug. She made me smile every week. :) When I got older, I started going to greek class with her and she was such a delight to have in class. She always wanted me to be her greek partner, and was always buying random new books to help her learn. She once bought me a greek package just because. We were both very sad when I stopped going to Greek class, but she continued to be my friend. Mrs. Gamble was an amazing woman in Christ and she will be genuinely missed. I am glad that this is not our last meeting, and that we will indeed see her again. I love you… Elisabeth B.
I have very fond memories of Diane. One of my favorites is the time that we sang to 80's music together with the youth while traveling to Riverside. I also remember the time that she beat me in a race to write out the Greek alphabet . . . I think she cheated though :?) She looked out for me as a young man – what can I say? I needed a lot of help, and she was there for me during a tough situation. I will always appreciate that.
When Dave and Diny moved to Genoa years ago, their house was two doors down from mine. As just a boy, I was at their house almost daily playing with their son, Mark. As you can imagine, Mark and I tested her patience plenty back then (we were a handful), yet Diny was sweet and patient with us! They moved away, but I reconnected with them 15 years ago when my wife and I started attending Grace. Diny was still the same sweet lady that I remembered as a boy. When my family and I moved out to be part of City of Refuge, I got to know Diny in a way that I hadn't before. She loved on all of us as if we were her own. My kids even called her, Nana! There's not enough words to express how much I grew to love her. A memory I'll always have of her is when Mindy and the kids helped me put Christmas lights on the big spruce this Christmas as a surprise for Diny because it was something she had always wanted. She said she did a dance when she drove in that night and saw it all lit up for the first time. I know every time I look at that tree; I'll think of her. Who cares if it's March, we might just turn the lights on tonight just to remember this wonderful lady. Haley asked if Diny will still be the "Candy Lady" in Heaven and I said that I don't see why not. She will always hold a special place in all our hearts. What a beautiful lady she was and how I long to see her again soon in Heaven!
Diny was my friend, my mentor, my sister in Christ, my counselor, and my coworker. I have never met anyone so full of life and so genuine. She knew firsthand that life was hard, but she knew even more that God was good. Her passion for Christ overflowed onto the airwaves as she, without ceasing year after year, encouraged her fellow pilgrims and shared Christ with anyone who would listen. I will always think of her when I read Numbers 6:24-26, listen to the song "I Can Only Imagine", or remember one of many Paul Tripp quotes such as "This life is not our destination, it is preparation." Diny, can't wait to see you again in Heaven, your final destination! Unlike you, we are all still just imagining…
Diny and Dave have both been role models in my life, as friends and brothers- and sisters-in Christ with my parents, and with Dave working closely with my husband in the District Court. They have modeled what it means to live in this world, but not be "of this world". On of my most precious memories of Diny was sitting at my parents dinner table with my family and having my grandfather comment on what a vibrant, wonderful woman of Christ Diny embodied. She did and I will always treasure the way that she talked the talk (on Pilgrim Radio) and walked the walk. As I pray for her family, I rejoice that she is with her precious Savior and laugh knowing that she is reconnecting with my grandparents. They stories they will share!!!
I didn't know Diane for very long, but I always appreciated her candor and wit. She was able to be direct but caring and there was zero pretense about her. Her legacy of counseling and loving the lost are such a wonderful testimony to our Savior. I will miss her smile and watching the children swarm to her seat on Sundays.
I had just meet Diane 2 weeks ago and was blessed in having lunch with her and her husband Dave. She was a tender hearted sweet lovely lady and I am glad we got to share with each other alittle about life. Loved her sweet smile. I am sorry for your lost Dave. May you be fully filled with peace and love Dave. With love love and prayers from the Bates family.
Seeing Diane’s smiling face and hearing her laugh was always a great encouragement and comfort to me. A special memory that comes to mind is when I was pregnant with Mateo and our family was helping a lot out at the Refuge. Throughout the pregnancy Diane would ask me what we were going to name the baby. We were having a very difficult time thinking of a name that both Paul and I liked. When we found out it was going to be a boy she would suggest a few names every time I saw her and we would laugh and laugh at most of them. Every time we saw each other she had thought of more possible and funny names. I will always cherish those fun conversations with her. I was blessed to have a short conversation with her on Sunday when I took Nathan, who is 3 and afraid to go to the Candy Lady alone, to burrow through the candy bag and look at each piece before deciding on the perfect one. Diane said some especially encouraging words about one of my children and I am so thankful to God that she was a part of my life. Our family is sure going to miss Mrs. Gambles as our children lovingly call her. Our family is praying for the Gamble family.
My memories of Diane would go back to Greek class 15 years ago. She was competitive, as was I. She enjoyed "announcing" my pregnancies before I did. In fact, in Greek class, I got dizzy during a "race to the board" vocabulary competition, and she looked at me and told me to sit down, because I was pregnant! This was weeks before we planned to announce anything. She also loved to tell me to the week, when I would deliver each child, and even what I would have.
One day, she brought me my most treasured Christmas ornament. I put it up every year and tell Nathan that if I can keep only one ornament when I'm old, it will be that one. It's a lady with a sign that says, "Diaper Queen." Yes, we will miss Diane and treasure the memories of her.
Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his godly ones.
Melanie Weller
I have known Dave and Diane well over 30 years. I dearly loved Diane. I am comforted knowing that Diane is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I will miss her so much. My prayers go out to Dave and Mark. We will see you again my friend.
Denise Rudnick
Diane will always be remembered as a phenomenal woman who inspired helped so many women. I will never forget all the wonderful, fun memories back at the City Of Refuge while I was there in 2008. I will never forget her holding my hand through my labor and delivery of my son. God through her is the only reason why I am a mother of an amazing almost 15 year old beautiful young man. Otherwise my son would have been adopted. I forever will remember her pure love and feel blessed and honored to have known Dave and Diane and Grace Community Church. I am truly forever grateful and thankful. Prayers to the Gamble family <3
It is rare to come across a true servant of the Lord and that is who Diane Gamble was to so many, including our own daughter at The City of Refuge. Thru Diane and Dave's kindness, our firstborn grandson was ushered into this world. Thank you so much for all you are and all you have given. We know you are dancing forever in heaven with Your Lord. God bless Dave and the Family with His Love, Strength and Comfort thru this time of great loss…
It is important to mention this is the only time I remember Dave yelling. In all fairness, he was so fantastically kind and fun when we were little. His love for trees started me on my slight bent for being a treehugger:) I love you Dave!!!!
AAAh Dave, Diny was so loved our hearts are all with you and your family. She was so special to our Joyce's Family.
"Diane loved dogs and books as well as children. Soon after I received the phone call that Diane had passed onto Beulah land to be with our Lord, I took from our bookshelf a copy of BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE a book poignantly written about an orphan Southern dog named after a supermarket chain here in the South and a young Southern girl named India Opal, whose Daddy is pastor of Open Arms Baptist Church, the narrative which includes basic history of the South and THE WAR. Diane was deeply touched by the book and asked if she could borrow it and pass it around to the girls at the City of Refuge thinking it would minister to them and speak to their hearts. She told me that as it went from girl to girl, there was lots of laughter and some tears. In the passing around of the book, it became crumpled so Diane ordered me a new copy and returned to me with a nice, new bookmark. Diane was very generous and warmhearted, she will be greatly missed but the saints who remain here on earth look forward to joining with her and worshipping at the throne of our Great God and King.
Farewell, Dear Sister,
RuthAnn Holley
I will miss the joy that I felt every Sunday when I looked for Di, in her usual seat at church. I always smiled when I saw her because of the joy that I felt from just being around her. She made us all feel loved with her special personality. Since I heard of her passing, Monday, there has not been a night pass where I have not pictured her laughing and full of unspeakable joy in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus said let the little children come and I'm sure Di is right there with Him and all the children. I will miss her dearly but I feel such joy still with thoughts of her in Heaven! I so look forward to the day that we will be together with our Savior, friends, and all the children! My prayers are with her family and all who loved her so dearly.
Diny was kind, funny, gregarious at times and so well loved! She taught me so many things, usually by example. I was a house parent for about six months at City of Refuge and she taught me how to really love the women we were there to help. I loved her so much, just looking at her would put on a smile on your face! I wear a small ring on my pinky finger that she gave me for my birthday 15 yrs ago. She always seemed to be for the underdog, the one that needed the most help or love or grace. God's love and grace was so evident in her life. I will miss her so much, but look forward to seeing her again! Praise God she is with Him now!
I met you both when I worked for Safeway. While I may not have known you personally, the love that you shared was evident. It was always a joy when either of you would come into the store. The love of Jesus was in her voice every time she would speak about City of Refuge, her Church and you, Dave. I enjoyed listening to her for years on Pilgrim and I was always comforted by her words when our Lord knew that I needed that familiar voice. I cried when I read that she had passed but I am so thankful to know that she went to sleep and woke up in the arms of Jesus. Praise God for His faithfulness!! May God comfort you with the knowing that you will be reunited with your bride someday. Prayers, Shana
My husband and I are faithful listeners of Pilgrim in Fallon. We feel as though we have lost a dear friend even though we never met. She was always an encouragement and we were blessed by her devotionals and love for God. We will miss her!
Diny welcomed to me to the city of refugee home with arms during one of my hardest times in life. She reassured and encouraged me while lived there and reminded me that God had a special plan for me and my birth son, Samuel.
I will always remember how she came to Washoe medical center to meet my birth son Samuel who was in ICU and take me shopping spree.
She also opened the city of refugee home for my family and the adoptive family to have dedication service.
It was such a pleasure to know this special servant of God. She will always hold a special place in my heart. You will be truly missed. Well done my good and faithful servant.
Love Kristin shaw
My very first memory of Diny was in 1999 when I first heard her on Pilgrim Radio (then KNIS). It was April 1st (April Fool's Day). Diny read from Psalm 14:1 "The fool says in his heart, there is no God". "Oh, and by the way", continued Diny, "Today is National Atheist's Day"….."Now, back to music". "Wow, that was great"!, I thought. I was immediately impressed with this woman's boldness for truth. Now, after 15 years of attending the same church as Diny, my family and I have come to love and appreciate Diny for the special saint that she is. She is one of those people who, because of her "full of life" makes it seem that she is still here. We will greatly miss her smile, her tenderness, compassion, and her amazing sense of humor. (Many times I, Ingrid, wouldn't get the punch line immediately but when I finally did, boy, was it funny). Dave and the McKinnons, you will be in our prayers for a long time.
Diny was gracious, loving and gifted.
I met Diny by phone when I called from CA after discovering that my unmarried daughter was pregnant. I felt devastated and hopeless. My daughter had heard of City of Refuge. Diny assured me that God would be with us each step of the way and that he would bring good out of all of this. She invited us to come (the week before Christmas) to visit and there we met this joyful, fun loving woman and her wonderful husband, Dave. At “City” my daughter matured and relearned to follow our Lord under their care. Her baby had difficulties and was taken to Reno to the ICU. Diny visited her in there. She helped her to find amazing adoptive parents who we know have parented and loved our little baby into the great little Christian boy that he has become. Diny and Dave have been role models and servants that have changed our lives. Diny was right that God would bring good out of our situation. Her trust in God was sure. We have moved on, but the Gambles have continued to reach out to girl after girl as they have faithfully served Christ. Recently, I wanted to write a letter to thank Diny and tell her that my daughter is now happily married with a daughter of her own. I will look forward to telling her in person when I join her where she is now in the arms of Jesus. Our prayers are for her family – she leaves a big hole!
Ruth Shaw
That says it in a nutshell: she leaves a very big hole…there's only one Diny!
The Gambles' saved my daughter's life and I will be forever grateful to them.
Dave and Diane Gamble were there for me in a time when everyone in my life had turned their backs on me. Living at City of Refuge changed my life, and it was the first time I had seen real Christianity lived out first hand. Diny had such an amazing influence on my life and I always planned on going back to visit but never got around to it. I am so glad she is with our Lord, but sad that she is gone from us. She will be greatly missed!
Tiffany
Diane was more than my sister in Christ; she was my counselor, my mentor, my friend.
In 2009, when I left the Vision of Hope rehab program in Indiana, Diane took on the roll of my mentor and my counselor. Week after week, from September 2009 until sometime in 2010, Diane would counsel me at church, and every week, without fail, she would give me tons of Scripture to look up or she would suggest a book that I should read. And I better have my homework done and come prepared because we would definitely be discussing it. My sobriety didn't last long. I relapsed and disappeared for months from April through August 2011. During my absence, Diane was a rock and a fountain of strength for my family who were at their wits end with me. In August 2011, Diane took me in at the City of Refuge to get me off the streets and back to my senses. She put up with me when I could barely stand myself. I will always be indebted to her for what she has done for my family and me. Thank you, Diane. I love you and I will miss you, my dear sister, but I will see you again in Paradise.
Cheryl