with each other and sharing common interests is what ’ s helped them weather the storms .
“ It ’ s a tough road , especially when you ’ ve been together for this long ,” Butch said . “ It ’ s not easy and you have ups and downs . But for us , sticking it out and figuring it out together is what works .”
Tim and Eleanor Ramseier : A blended family success story
Tim and Eleanor Ramseier ’ s story is not the traditional marriage of longevity . They are a blended family with this being Eleanor ’ s second marriage . Yet the couple is celebrating almost 32 years together and admits their faith and respect has been key to their success .
“ We respect each other , and I almost think respect is as important as love ,” Eleanor said . “ You can love someone , but you may not like them at times . And without that respect , it ’ s hard to keep a strong relationship going and it impacts the commitment .”
“ Our faith has helped keep us strong ,” Tim said . “ I don ’ t see how people can do it without faith . Ours can be tested , but it ’ s strong .”
Tim and Eleanor met at World Gospel Church , where Eleanor had just started attending . Tim moved to Terre Haute from
Tim and Eleanor Ramseier ( and family )
Chicago in 1986 to be the World Gospel ’ s first fulltime youth pastor .
“ Everyone was talking about the new pastor in town who was funny and nice ,” Eleanor said . “ At the time , I was a single mom and was not looking to date anyone . But I met Tim and we decided to go work out together .”
“ Now she still wants to work out and I ’ m more hesitant ,” Tim said .
The two started spending time together as friends . That eventually turned into dating and the two married on May 19 , 1990 .
Eleanor had two children from her previous marriage when she and Tim began the process of blending the family . Randi and Erik were 14 and 9 , respectively , at the time . Both admit the transition
was not always easy , but what made it work was they were always on each other ’ s side . Just over a year later , the couple had a son , Ben , which also brought their family together in a new way .
“ Eleanor was already a parent and I had to learn to be a parent ,” Tim said . “ It was a balance between making the kids feel comfortable but also maintaining authority . You have to respect each other because the kids emulate that .”
They both agree that when it comes to raising children , it ’ s important for kids to see them have disagreements to show them how to resolve their conflicts . And that even the unpleasantness of arguments presents an opportunity to talk through issues with kids .
Eleanor and Tim both lead successful nonprof-
48 Terre Haute Living • March 2022