Lessons from 50 Years of Marriage: Building Love That Lasts

By Ruthanna Powell
​Relationship Champion and Encompass Partner

When I asked Chuck and Gale Poole how they’ve managed to stay married for 50 years, Chuck laughed and said, “When the kids were home and I was upset, I could talk to them. After they left, I talked to the dog. Then the dog died—and we had to learn to communicate!” 
That bit of humor sums up a lot about Chuck and Gale. Their relationship is real, resilient, and rooted in faith. As they look back on their golden anniversary, they shared what has carried them through five decades of marriage. ​

Faith at the Center 

Married in 1975, Chuck and Gale admit their early years weren’t centered on Christ. Gale described a season of partying, but felt the Holy Spirit nudging her to raise their child in a Christian home. At the same time, Chuck sensed God drawing him closer. 

By 1980, they made a decision that would shape everything that followed: they surrendered their marriage to God. Both agree that without that step, they would not still be together today. 

Weathering the Hardest Storms 

Every marriage faces trials, but Chuck and Gale’s deepest valley came when their daughter Chrissy was diagnosed with cancer at age 14. At the same time, their son Charlie broke his neck and wore a halo brace. 

Gale lived at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital with Chrissy while Chuck juggled work and caring for Charlie. Friends and their church family stepped in with help, and the Pooles chose to “double” what they were given by blessing other families at the hospital. Gale even brought food to fellow parents walking through similar struggles.
 
Through it all, they experienced what they describe as peace and joy that didn’t come from circumstances, but from their foundation in Christ. “We never knew what God’s plan was,” they told me, “but we completely surrendered our child to His will.” 

Adjusting to the Empty Nest 

For some couples, the transition to an empty home is hard. For Gale, it was simple: “No—it was time for Charlie to move out.” Chuck, as always, found the humor in it, reminding us that even in change, laughter helps. 

Though they have different interests—Chuck loves pickleball, hunting, and fishing, while Gale prefers gardening, swimming, and yard work--they’ve learned to support each other’s passions while keeping their relationship strong. 

A Life of Service 

Retirement hasn’t slowed them down. Gale mentors a young man she has visited faithfully in prison for more than eight years, teaches English to Haitians at her church, bakes pies with her Joy Circle group to fund outreach, and serves in the church nursery.
 
Chuck volunteers at the Maiden Lane Church of God Outreach House and delights in growing tomatoes—always giving them away to others. Together, they’ve found joy in blessing people with what they have. 

And when they aren’t serving, they’re traveling. Ever since their 25th anniversary, cruising has been their favorite getaway. Now retired, they take several cruises a year and enjoy that time together. 

Walking with Aging Parents 

Another chapter of their marriage has been walking through the loss of parents. Chuck’s parents passed away early in their marriage, while Gale’s parents declined in health over several years. Caring for her father eventually led to Gale’s retirement. 

She and her sister shouldered the daily responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, and caregiving, with Chuck stepping in faithfully to help. “I always knew my parents would age,” Gale reflected, “but I never thought of their strong bodies deteriorating. It was very sad to watch.” Even in this, the Pooles found strength in teamwork and family support. 

Their Advice for Couples 

Their wisdom is simple, but it comes from lived experience: 

• Pray whenever you are upset with each other. 

• Always kiss goodnight. 

• Keep God at the center of your marriage. 

It’s not complicated, but it’s life-changing. 

A Final Word 

Spending time with Chuck and Gale reminded me of the power of a Christ-centered marriage. Their story is not one of perfection, but of perseverance. Through laughter and loss, trials and triumphs, they’ve remained anchored in prayer, faith, and love. 

Fifty years later, they are still living proof that a marriage surrendered to God can endure—and even thrive. 

About the Author 

Ruthanna Powell (married to Justin for 12 years) has been a faithful champion of the mission of Encompass Connection Center for many years, generously giving of her time, talents, and treasure. She presently serves on the Board of Directors and continues to be an encourager and advocate for healthy marriages and families in our community. 

Take the Next Step 
If you desire to have a long-lasting marriage like Chuck and Gale, reach out to Encompass Connection Center today. We can help you strengthen key areas such as communication, conflict resolution, and navigating the challenges that come with every season of marriage. 
 
Learn more about our RINGS Experience — a proven program designed to help couples grow in connection, commitment, and resilience. 
 
The commitment and the work are worth it—your marriage can thrive for a lifetime! ​