Elaine Metcalf Obituary

Elaine Lohne Metcalf

November 26, 1946 - October 19, 2025

Elaine Lohne Metcalf, 78, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Born on November 26, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, Elaine was the beloved daughter of Anne Ibsen Lohne and Berner Severin Lohne. She married Robert "Bob" C. Metcalf on August 31,1968, shortly after their graduation from Wheaton College.

Always an eager student, Elaine earned her Master's degree in Library Science from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She then faithfully supported Bob through three years of military service in San Antonio, North and South Carolina. While he later pursued his law degree in Washington, D.C., Elaine served as Director of Thompson Markward Hall, a residence for young women on Capitol Hill, where her warmth and vitality deeply touched the lives of many.

In 1976, Elaine and Bob settled in Richmond, Virginia, where she devoted the next twenty-five years to raising their three children, caring for aging parents, and serving her church and community. Along the way, Elaine effectively galvanized groups and built generative culture in many sectors. In the late 1970's she partnered with close friends to bring Community Bible Study (CBS) to Richmond. In 1983, she and Bob co-founded Richmond's Strategies to Elevate People (STEP), a ministry dedicated to neighborhood renewal in downtown Richmond. From 1990 to 2000, Elaine also enthusiastically directed and grew AMICUS, a student exchange program that connected international students with local families. Her smiling energy for contributing to the common good drew many into ministry alongside her.

Elaine's gift for hospitality was an expression of her faith. Throughout her lifetime, she created a warm and welcoming home where friends, family, and guests from around the world gathered at a beautifully set table for conversation, laughter, tears and encouragement. Each guest felt fully treasured by her.

With their children grown, Elaine and Bob embarked on a new chapter in 2000, moving to Asia to serve and mentor emerging church leaders. After returning unexpectedly to Richmond in 2007, Elaine-undaunted-continued her international ministry, traveling frequently to Asia while building bridges of friendship at home. She especially loved welcoming Chinese students to the United States and founded the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in Richmond, an annual event that has blessed thousands of visiting students and host families.

The daughter of a Norwegian immigrant and home builder, Elaine inherited both a love for people and a love for creating beautiful spaces. She oversaw the design and construction of two family homes-one in Richmond and another in Linden, Virginia-each reflecting her thoughtful eye, creative touch, and heart for gathering others.

Elaine will be remembered for her steadfast faith, strategic mind, ability to mobilize others, gracious spirit, and her deep joy in serving others. Her great joy in life, and one of her great legacies, is the deep and wide web of relationships she fostered and nurtured around the world over her years of life on this earth. Elaine's love for Jesus motivated her love for others, and she ended this life with great and happy anticipation of "the next chapter," with Him.

Elaine is survived by her devoted husband, Bob; and their three children: Heidi Metcalf (Ross) Little, Robert L. (Blair) Metcalf, and David C. (Betsy) Metcalf. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Walker and Ruthie Little, Anna, Brooks, Van and Caroline Metcalf, and Laney and Grace Metcalf. They brought her great joy. Elaine is also survived by her sister, Roberta (Don) Hudgens, with whom she shared a lifelong bond of love and faith.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Third Church, 600 Forest Avenue, Richmond, Virginia. The service will be officiated by The Rev. Corey Widmer and The Rev. John W. Yates II, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Elaine by generously supporting Third Church (Richmond, Virginia), Grace Anglican Church (White Post, Virginia) or Asian Access (Cerritos, California).

Woody Funeral Home Parham Road Chapel

1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229