COUPLE TENDS CHURCH'S MEMORIAL ROSE GARDEN.

Byline: BETTIE RENCORET

QUARTZ HILL - Paul and Beverly Gibbs believe in remembering departed loved ones, not only on Memorial Day but every day. Their dedication to this belief is evidenced by their cultivation of roses.

They have been instrumental in establishing a thriving rose garden on the grounds of the Lancaster United Methodist Church.

In 1993, 44 rose bushes were purchased by individuals as memorials to loved ones who have died and the Gibbses planted them in an area of the church's quadrangle. They continue to nurture them.

``The idea wasn't original with us,'' said Beverly. ``Our friends David and Louise Cavallin told us about a garden like this that they knew about at another church. Nothing got done then, and then they moved away. We just picked up the ball and ran with it.''

They put together a proposal for the garden, with the pledge that they would plant and maintain it, and presented it to the church's official board for approval.

``After that, it really took off. Spaces were all sold out in a very short time because we had to place a limit on the number. We didn't think we could keep up with more than 44 and we were right. It has been a challenge,'' said Beverly.

A bronze dedication plaque on the wall facing the garden was purchased as a memorial to the late Robert and Della Dux by their family, and another plaque inside the narthex of the church holds the nameplates identifying the 44 people who have been memorialized with rose bushes.

``There are still lots of people who would like to purchase a memorial bush but we just can't handle any more ourselves. It'd be nice if someone else would start another garden,'' Paul said.

``We like to think that Memorial Day is every day, not just once a year, to persons who look at our roses. Of course, we realize in these busy times most people need a special day to focus on their memories. We feel the symbolism of `the rose that grows beyond the wall' helps us all to do that,'' said Beverly.

Both 64-year-old Paul and 61-year-old Beverly are native Californians. Paul was born in Fresno and she was born Beverly Dietrich in Santa Ana.

``But I'm practically a native of Antelope Valley,'' she said. ``I came to Lancaster with my family when I was only 2 years old and I've lived here ever since.''

Paul was raised in King's River, near Sanger, a little town just east of Fresno.

``The river ran right through our front yard when I was growing up and I got spoiled by all the good fishing.''

Paul left home to go into the U.S. Air Force in 1951 during the Korean War.

``I fought the battle of Edwards,'' he laughed, explaining he had served his entire military career at Edwards Air Force Base, working in flight test instrumentation.

He and Beverly met while he was stationed there.

``Herb and Velma Perry were calling square dances out at the base and giving lessons but there were never enough girls,'' said Beverly. ``One day Velma called (the late) Lottie Griffin, who was the Rainbow Girls adviser, and asked her if there were some of us who would like to dance. A bunch of us decided to go. And there was Paul.''

``Would you believe, we haven't done any square dancing since?'' said Paul. ``We've been too busy,'' agreed Beverly.

They were married February 20, 1954.

Released from the service in 1955, Paul continued his job at Edwards as a civilian Air Force employee. He retired in 1987 and went immediately to work for Northrop. He stayed with Northrop three years and finally retired for good in 1990.

Beverly worked for five years for the Edison Company and then stayed home to raise her three children, Yvonne Kellogg of Tehachapi, and Raymond and Russell, both of Quartz Hill.

``I didn't go to work again until my youngest was in school, then I started in the mail order department at Sears. I loved every minute of it. I met so many wonderful people. I put in 20 years there before I retired in 1993.''

Since both have retired they have stayed busy.

``I guess you can tell we love to garden. Paul loves boating and fishing and we're addicted to movies. We see them all,'' said Beverly.

LANCASTER - Menus for the week at the senior life nutrition sites in Lancaster, Palmdale and Pearblossom have been announced. All meals include bread and margarine, and coffee, tea or milk.

Monday: Closed. Memorial Day observed.

Tuesday: Crispy chicken, macaroni salad, mixed vegetables, peaches, ice cream.

Wednesday: Beef stroganoff, sweet peas, carrot/raisin salad, muffin, pineapple tidbits.

Thursday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, tossed salad, pudding.

Friday: Sweet and sour pork, rice, spinach, coleslaw, banana.

MEMO: This column devoted to activities and news of interest to all senior citizens. Those with any information pertaining to that age group are invited to contact Bettie Rencoret at 943-2998 or leave messages at the Antelope Valley Bureau Daily News offices, 267-5741.

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Photo

Photo: In addition to maintaining the rose garden at Lancas ter United Methodist Church, retirees Beverly and Paul Gibbs enjoy movies and boating.

Bettie Rencoret/Special to the Daily News