Age 98
Ruth McAndrew was born on January 22, 1927, in Omaha, Nebraska. She was one of 10 children. Her parents emigrated from Ireland, her father from County Mayo and her mother from County Carlow.
Ruth attended St. Bernard’s Grade School in Omaha and Mercy Preparatory High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She entered the Sisters of Mercy at Mount Loretto in Council Bluffs in 1944 and graduated in 1946. Ruth professed temporary vows as a Sister of Mercy on March 12, 1947, and perpetual vows on August 16, 1950, taking as her motto: “Jesus, I love you.”
Her first ministry took her to St. James Orphanage in Omaha, where she assisted with the boys. From there, Ruth launched into a long-term, beloved ministry as a teacher in kindergarten and primary grades. Her teaching years took her from schools in Omaha to Council Bluffs to Des Moines, Iowa. Ruth also served in Broomfield (Nativity of Our Lord) and Durango (St. Columba), Colorado, as well as in Kansas City, Missouri (St. Ann, St. Peter).
Possessed with a sense humor and an observant eye of life around her, Ruth took pride in her Irish heritage and was gifted with a wry Irish wit that she shared freely with others.
Her deep devotion to Mary served as a source of strength and joy. Ruth died on the Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Mary.
Many of her students noted that Sister Ruth had high expectations while also showing kindness. As a former student said, “What a legacy she leaves behind!”