Meet Sister M. Thomas More Ruffing, OSF
Wells, MN
1951
Ministries:
Sister taught grades 3-7 from 1950-1959, then served as Latin Instructor and Librarian at St. Clare Academy until 1969. She transitioned to full-time librarian ministry, serving at Central Catholic HS until 1975, and as the Head Librarian at Lourdes University until 2003. Since 2005, Sister has served Congregational Archival Assistant. Sister has shared her music ministry as organist for over 70 years.
When in Rome… Despite her many years at the Motherhouse, Sister has put a lot of pins on the map. She got her driverÕs license when she was 16 (by filling out an application at the bank) and drove everywhere in her dad’s 1942 blue Buick. By the time she came to Sylvania at age 21, she was a seasoned pro and trusted to transport Sisters to every corner of the country. For her Jubilee, she traveled to Europe with Sisters Lorenzo, Alonzo and Maria Goretti (“With Goretti, you always got more than you paid for on any trip,” she quips). At the Pantheon, Sr. Goretti urged the guide to invite
Sister to play the organ and he agreed, which is how this Sylvania Franciscan played “Immaculate Mary” in the famous Roman church.
Sr. Thomas More Ruffing and Sr. Ricarda Witt pore through the original ledger.
