Saint Scholastica Monastery
A Community of Benedictine Sisters in Fort Smith, Arkansas

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Obituaries Listed On This Page

2010

• Sr. Marian Walbe

2009

• Sr. Adelma Pabst
• Sr. Anita Berkemeyer
• Sr. Norbert Hoelting

2008

• Sr. Rosemary Rufener

2007

• Sr. Jeannette Yaeger
• Sr. Teresina Lazzari

2006

• Sr. Simon Edelhuber
• Sr. Maurine Schmucker

2005

• Sr. Herman Joseph Berkemeyer
• Sr. Rosetta Kuettel
• Sr. Clara Marie Komp
• Sr. Mary Ruth Wewers

2004

• Sr. Mary Paul Rossi
• Sr. Emerita Beck
• Sr. Bede Eckart
• Sr. Marcella Stengel
• Sr. Stella Stephens
• Sr. Mary John Wiederkehr
• Sr. Camilla Krallman
• Sr. Immaculata Homer
• Sr. Marietta Schroeder
• Sr. Fidelis Marie Garafalo

2003

• Sr. Columba Walter
• Sr. Marie Huber
• Sr. Irene Verkamp
• Sr. Charlene Lindeman
• Sr. Frances Hacker
• Sr. Florence Yutterman

2002

• Sr. Mayme Finley
• Sr. Eleanora Fritchie
• Sr. Antonita Hain
• Sr. Apollonia Moix
• Sr. Elaine Walbe
• Sr. Loretto Arceneaux
• Sr. Dominic Siebenmorgen
• Sr. Maurus Witt
• Sr. Helen Schneider

2001

• Sr. Concetta Mazzanti
• Sr. Antonia Lutz
• Sr. Anastasia Gallus
• Sr. Anacletus Schroeder
• Sr. Bernice Kraus
• Sr. Benita Wewers
• Sr. Leonella Spanke
• Sr. Gertrude Grabber

Sr. Marian Walbe died February 19, 2010 at the age of 93.

 

Sr. Adelma Pabst died July 20, 2009 at the age of 87.

 

Sr. Anita Berkemeyer died June 26, 2009 at the age of 90.

Sister Anita Berkemeyer, OSB, 90, of Fort Smith passed away Friday, June 26, 2009 in St. Scholastica Monastery. She was born November 7, 1918 in Atkins, Arkansas to Clemence and Mary Elizabeth Berkemeyer. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, Texas in 1963 and taught elementary school for over 40 years at Sacred Heart School, Charleston; St. Edward School, Little Rock; St. Benedict School, Subiaco; Sts. Peter and Paul School, Morrison Bluff; St. Joseph School, Fayetteville; St. Gabriel School, Kansas City; St. Vincent de Paul School, Rogers; St. Teresa School, Little Rock; and the Nazareth, Texas public schools. After her retirement from teaching in 1987, she served as the monastery’s Oblate Director and ministered to the sick and shut-ins at St. Joseph Church, Paris.  

Sister Anita loved acting, singing and dancing and enjoyed performing in monastery skits.  She was also a self-taught accomplished hair stylist.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Carl and Bernard Berkemeyer and Sister Herman Joseph Berkemeyer. 

Vespers were held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, 2009 at St. Scholastica Monastery. Her funeral Mass was held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in the Monastery Chapel.  She was buried in St. Scholastica Cemetery.  

She is survived by three brothers: Herman Berkemeyer of Lake Village, Arkansas; Raymond Berkemeyer of Morrilton, Arkansas; and John Berkemeyer of Atkins, Arkansas; seven sisters: Marie Beck of Conway, Arkansas; Louise Sponer of Hattieville, Arkansas; Rita Rehm of Perry, Arkansas; Helen Ward of Morrilton, Arkansas; Paula Patton of North Little Rock, Arkansas; Marilyn Riedmueller of Morrilton, Arkansas; Pat Stout of Morrilton, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews and her Religious Community. 

Her nieces and nephews served as pallbearers.  

In lieu of flowers please make memorials to St. Scholastica Continuing Care Fund, P.O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913. 

A poem by Sister Anita, written several years ago: 

GRACE
By Sister Anita Berkemeyer, OSB 

Sr. Norbert Hoelting died March 6, 2009 at the age of 95.

Sister Norbert was born in Nazareth, Texas on March 5, 1914, to Henry and Elizabeth Hoelting.  She entered St. Scholastica Convent in 1928; received her State Elementary teaching certificate in 1939; earned a B.A. in Spanish from Mount Mercy College, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1944; and earned an M.A. in Religion from Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana in 1956. 

Sister Norbert taught twenty-six years in Arkansas Catholic schools.  Thirteen of those years were spent at St. Scholastica Academy, where she served as teacher, prefect, and principal.  

She served the monastic community as formation director from 1959-67 and 1993-96. She was elected prioress on December 28, 1976, serving a four-year term. 

During her career, Sister Norbert also worked at St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; at St. Michael Indian School in Arizona; and as administrator of St. Joseph Home in North Little Rock 

For the past twelve years, Sister Norbert taught Scripture and Patristics to new community members, assisted as receptionist in the monastery office, and served on several committees. 

Vespers was 7:30 p.m. March 9 at St. Scholastica  Monastery.  Her Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. March 10 at St. Scholastica Monastery. 

Sister Norbert is survived by a brother, Norbert Hoelting and his wife Mary of Olpe, Kansas, and two sisters-in-law, Tina Hoelting of Nazareth, Texas, and Maurine Hoelting of California, numerous nieces and nephews; and the members of her monastic community. 

Her nieces and nephews served as pallbearers. 

Memorial donations may be made to St. Scholastica Continuing Care Fund, P. O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913.

Sr. Rosemary Rufener died June 1, 2008 at the age of 90.

Sr. Rosemary was born in St. Vincent, Arkansas, October 1, 1917, to Martin and Celestine Stoffel Rufener. She was given the name Clementine at her baptism on October 8, 1917.. Clementine entered St. Scholastica Convent May 15, 1933 taking the name Rosemary whereupon she attended St. Scholastica Academy graduating in 1936. She received a three-year elementary Teacher’s Certificate July 31, 1943. Continuing her education, she received her B.A. from Marymount College in Salina, KS in 1959 with a major in history and minors in English, philosophy, and Education; an M.A. in Education with a minor in history from Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1965; and in 1969 received a Texas Life Professional Elementary Administrator Certificate.

From 1936 to 1973, Sister Rosemary taught elementary school in several schools in and around Arkansas: St. John’s School in Clear Creek, Missouri; St. Joseph’s School in Paris; St. Joseph’s School in Center Ridge; Marche; St. Mary’s School in Lake Village; St. Boniface in Fort Smith; Sacred Heart School in Hartman; Scranton; St. Michael’s School (later called St. Gabriel) in Kansas City, Missouri; St. Joseph’s School in Amarillo, Texas; Amarillo Public School, Amarillo, Texas. In 1973 she changed from teaching to other works: St. Benedict Center in Madison, Wisconsin; parish work at St. Hyacinth Parish and St. Mary's Parish, both of Amarillo, Texas. In 1997 she was assigned to parish work at St. Joseph’s Church in Paris, Arkansas; there she visited the elderly and infirm in the hospital and nursing homes. In 2000 she returned to the monastery where she served as a receptionist until very recently. She also served as a volunteer receptionist in the Pastoral Care Department at Sparks Regional Medical Center until her health prevented that service.

Sr. Jeannette Yaeger died January 24, 2007 at the age of 91.

Sr. Jeannette was born in Conway, Arkansas, May 10, 1915, and was given the name Virginia by her parents, Philip and Johanna Marendt Yaeger. She made her Religious Profession June 24, 1933, and began her 73 and 1/2 years of service to others.

Her mother died when she was very young. She, a sister and two brothers, were cared for by our sisters in an orphanage in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

She touched the lives of many through her love of music. She had a great love for the Virgin Mary. On Saturdays she would play songs dedicated to Mary.

She is survived by one sister, May Andrews, St. Louis, Missouri, and nieces and nephews. Proceeding her in death were her parents, Philip, and Johanna and her brothers, Philip and Matthew, and her sister, Irene Broderick.

Sister Teresina Lazzari died Sunday, July 8, 2007 at the age of 92.

Sr. Teresina was born in Tontitown, Arkansas on April 12, 1915 and was baptised Agnes Cecilia Lazzari by her parents Joseph and Josephine Lazzari. She made her Religious Profession June 24, 1938.

A dedicated teacher, she received a bachelor's degree in education from Avila College in Kansas City and taught at St. John's and St. Boniface in Fort Smith, St. John's in Brinkley, Arkansas, St. Pius X in Moberly, Missouri, St. Joseph in Fayetteville, Arkansas, St. Benedict in Subiaco, Arkansas, St. Joseph's in Tontitown, Arkansas and Amarillo, Texas, and Paris, Arkansas. She retired back home to St. Scholastica Monastery in June, 1987.

She is survived by a brother, James Lazzari of Hood River, Oregon.

 

Sr. Simon Edelhuber died February 17, 2006 at the age of 95.

Sr. Simon entered St. Scholastica in 1940 and made her religious profession on June 24, 1943. Her first ministry assignment was as an office worker at the Clarksville Hospital. She earned an art degree and a teaching degree, taught for 30 years, and was in community for 62 years. She was particularly gifted as a water colorist and enjoyed writing poetry.

In addition to the Clarksville assignment, Sr. Simon taught in Stuttgart, Charleston, Russellville, Subiaco, Fort Smith and Barling. After retiring from teaching, she was sacristan for 12 years at the monastery. Later she lived in Fayetteville and then in Subiaco as a companion to sisters working in those locations. For the last several years, Sr. Simon had resided in our Infirmary.

She is survived by two sisters, Gertrude Lawler of Santa Fe, N.M., and Katherine Pendleton of Washington, IN; and a brother, Alois Edelhuber of Paris, AR. In addition to many nieces and nephews, she is also survived by her Sisters in community.

Sr. Maurine Schmucker died February 4, 2006 at the age of 88.

Sr. Maurine came to St. Scholastica as a high school student, and made her religious profession of faith on June 24, 1936. She taught elementary school for a total of 49 years in Arkansas and Texas, and earned a BSE in Education.

After retiring from teaching in 1985, she did parish work in Kansas City, then in Little Rock. Once she returned to the monastery, she had a variety of assignments. Sr. Maurine worked in the laundry, was sacristan, and faithfully rang the Angelus Bells each day. She also had dining room duties and made coffee for all our meals. For eleven years she held the position of assistant Oblate Director. She regularly visited nursing homes, entertaining the residents with her fine harmonica playing.

Sr. Maurine is survived by one sister, Agnes Warren of Woodward, OK; two brothers, Alvin Schmucker of Hereford, TX, and Arnold Schmucker of Tucson, AZ; several nieces and nephews, and members of her religious community.

Sr. Herman Joseph Berkemeyer died December 9, 2005, at the age of 95.

Sister Herman Joseph Berkemeyer was born October 11, 1910, made monastic professon on June 24, 1931, and died on December 9, 2005.

She was a native of St. Vincent, AR. Sister earned her B.S.E. from Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, TX, and taught primary grades for 35 years. Of these, 17 were spent at St. Joseph Orphanage, North Little Rock, and 24 years in the Nazareth Independent School System, Nazareth, TX.

In her free time she loved to bake cookies and care for house plants, but her special treat was playing cards with her family, friend, and the Sisters, just any willing person.

Survivors include eight sisters, Sister Anita Berkemeyer of St. Scholastica, Marie Beck of Fort Smith, Louise Sponer of Hatieville, Rita Rehm of Perry, Helen Ward, Marilyn Riedmueller, and Pat Stout of Morillton, and Paula Patton of North Little Rock, three brothers, Herman of Lake Village, John of Atkins, and Raymond of Morillton, and an extended family.

Sr. Rosetta Kuettel died November 26 2005, at the age of 84.

Sr. Rosetta made her profession on June 24, 1940, and was active in community for sixty-five years. She was a teacher for most of her life, teaching in many parishes in the state of Arkansas. Once Sr. Rosetta retired from teaching, she assumed a variety duties at the monastery. She served in various capacities in our dining room, and especially enjoyed helping the sisters look their best by setting and combing out hair. She worked in both these duties until quite recently, when she became ill.

She is survived by three sisters, Marie LaBrie of Culver City, CA; Madeline Whitney of Portland, Maine, and Rosetta Fulmer of Greenbrier, AR; and one brother, Clemens Kuettel of Center Ridge, numerous nieces and nephews, and her sisters in community.

Sr. Clara Marie Komp died October 2, 2005, at the age of 88.

Sr. Clara Marie made her religious profession June 24, 1950, and subsequently served in a variety of capacities. She was at Subiaco Abbey for many years, and later while serving in Paris, AR she visited hospital patients and nursing home residents. Sr. Clara Marie managed the Retreat Center kitchen, and also was a co-founder of the Center Bakery. Her tasty breads and delicious pies were special ordered by area residents, and Trinity students consumed dozens of cookies weekly.

She is survived by four sisters: Lorene Jansen, Mildred Komp, Leona Komp, all of Fort Smith, and Madonna Komp of Charleston; one brother, Phillip Komp of Wichita Falls, Texas; and also by sisters of her religious community in Fort Smith, AR.

Sr. Mary Ruth Wewers died July 31, 2005, at the age of 64.

Sr. Mary Ruth Wewers was a devoted teacher for 41 years. For the last 24 years she taught at the St. Boniface Catholic Church Elementary School. She returned to St. Scholastica Monastery with profession on June 24, 2005, moving into our Infirmary area.

A member of a very large and loving family, she is survived by seven sisters: Sr. Adrian Wewers of St. Scholastica Monastery, Mary Edelhuber of Paris, Benita Siebenmorgen of Morrisons Bluff, Wilma Ahlert & Debbie Bentley of Fort Smith, Sarah Wewers of New Orleans, Pat Reid of Guthrie, OK, and two brothers, Joe & Harold Wewers of Fort Smith. She is also survived by the sisters of her religious community and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sr. Mary Paul Rossi died December 4, 2004, at the age of 91.

After making her final profession on June 24, 1932, Sr. Mary Paul had a varied career in her monastic life. She served as housekeeper for sisters on mission, cooked at our Orphanage, but her favorite work was nursing. After earning her LPN degree, she was a most conscientious care-taker, often working after hours to be certain her patients were as comfortable as possible. Sr. Mary Paul was also a particularly generous person and loved sharing whatever she had, even if it was only a hug, smile or words of encouragement to those with whom she came in contact.

Sr. Mary Paul is survived by two sisters, Sr. Elizabeth Rossi of St. Scholastica Monastery, and Bernardine Noll of Morrilton; a sister-in-law, Delores Rossi Olshove of Center Ridge; two brothers, Angelo Rossi of Jacksonville and Pete Rossi of Center Ridge; numerous nieces and nephews; and the sisters of her religious community.

Sr. Emerita Beck died December 2, 2004, at the age of 84.

Sr. Beck made her final profession on June 24, 1932 and had an illustrious career in nursing, here in the monastery Infirmary, in a number of our hospitals, and also in Chicago. She particularly enjoyed working with newborns. Her career also included time at St. Vincent's Medical Center, Little Rock in the Pastoral Care Department. After retiring from hospital work, Sr. Emerita served the community as sub-prioress for eight years.

She is survived by three sisters-in-law, Marie, Frances, and Catherine Beck; many nieces and nephews; and her sisters in community.

Sr. Bede Eckart died September 22, 2004, at the age of 87.

After making her religious profession, Sr. Bede taught in Arkansas, Missouri, Minnesota and Kansas for 32 years. During this time she taught all levels: primary, junior high, senior high and college. From 1986 to 1993 she worked in the Pastoral Care Department of Saint Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock.

In addition to her fine teaching skills, Sr. Bede was an accomplished poet, and had a keen interest in observing nature.

She is survived by one sister, Sister Christine Eckart of St. Scholastica Monastery; and one brother, Father Placidus Eckart of Subiaco Abbey; numerous nieces and nephews; and her sisters in community.

Sr. Marcella Stengel died August 31, 2004 at the age of 88.

Sr. Marcella made her religious profession on June 24, 1935 and earned both a B.S. Ed. and a M.S. Ed. She taught elementary school for fifty years, serving in Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas. After retiring from the classroom, she was sacristan at St. Scholastica Monastery and also served as Bethany House caretaker.

She is survived by a sister, Sr. Jovita Stengel of St. Scholastic Monastery, many nephews and nieces, and sisters of her religious community.

Sr. Stella Stephens died July 4, 2004 at the age of 88.

Sr. Stella made her religious profession on June 24,1934. Her love for reading called her to be a librarian. She served the Fort Smith Library from 1978 to 1984, and was a part-time librarian at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center from 1984 to 1993.

Her monastic career also involved teaching grade school and high school levels in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas.

She is survived by a sister, Mildred Pugh of Stigler, OK; and sisters of her religious community.

Sr. Mary John Wiederkehr died April 19, 2004 at the age of 100.

Sr. Mary John made her religious profession on June 24, 1929. She had been the eldest sister in community for a number of years.

She loved the outdoors and spent most of her years as a gardener and groundskeeper. Many of our older trees were planted by Sr. Mary John. She grew medicinal herbs and made all manner of balms, salves and cough syrups which were used by the community. She frequently entertained the community and any guests visiting with her by singing songs in the German language and playing her harmonica.

She is survived by a large family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and also by her sisters in community.

Sr. Camilla Krallman died April 18, 2004 at the age of 96.

Sr. Camilla made her religious profession June 24, 1924 and at the time of her death had been in vows longer than any of our other living members.

She spent most of her years as a housekeeper for our teaching sisters on missions. She enjoyed reading and visiting with her community members.

Sr. Camilla is survived by a sister, Margaret Beshoner of Scranton, and the sisters in her religious community.

Sr. Immaculata Homer died February 19, 2004 at the age of 87.

Sr. Immaculata was a graduate of Avila College in Kansas City, MO, and her long career as an elementary teacher covered three states: Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri. After retiring in 1987 she returned to the Monastery

She is survived by three sisters: Rita Milton of Bridgeport, TX, Magdalen Michalik of Munday, TX, and Kay Gallagher of Asheville, NC, and the sisters in her religious community.

Sr. Marietta Schroeder died February 16, 2004 at the age of 73.

Sr. Marietta made her religious profession on June 24, 1949 and was a teacher for many years. She was in parish work at St. John Church in Russellville just before returning to the Monastery.

She is survived by four sisters: Sr. Barbara Schroeder, Sr. Stephanie Schroeder, and Sr. Regina Schroeder, all of Fort Smith, AR, and Mary Lehman of St. Louis, MO; four brothers: Elmer Schroeder of Windthorst, TX, George Schroeder of Leominster, MA, Bernard Schroeder of Shawnee, KS, and Ray Schroeder of Kansas City, MO, in addition to the sisters of her religious community.

Sr. Fidelis Marie Garafalo died February 6, 2004 at the age of 83.

Sr. Fidelis Marie made her monastic profession on October 3, 1959 and her ministry was care of the sick. As a nurse, she worked in various hospitals. Her medical career also involved teaching and administration. Following her retirement from nursing she was prolific artistically in both fine china painting and calligraphy.

She is survived by a sister, Mary Ebster of Redding, CA; a brother, Sam Garafalo of North Syracuse, NY, and her sisters in community.

Sr. Columba Walter died November 3, 2003 at the age of 85.

Sr. Columba served as Prioress here at St. Scholastica Monastery from 1967 to 1977. For many years she was Administrator at various of our hospitals: St. Mary's Hospital in Dermott, AR, St. Joseph's Hospital in Boonville, MO, Crawford Memorial Hospital in Van Buren, AR, and Conway County Hospital in Morrilton, AR.

She was a charter member of Project Compassion, which has offices in our Retreat Center, and she reactivated the Benedictine Oblate Program.

Sr. Columba is survived by two sisters, Frances Walter of Little Rock and Lillian Stepsland of LaMirado, CA, and also by her religious community.

Sr. Marie Huber died October 30, 2003 at the age of 81.

Sr. Marie was a graduate of the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago with a bachelor's degree in piano and voice, and she taught for many years.

She is survived by three sisters: Sr. Herbert Huber and Sr. Rosarita Huber, both of St. Scholastica Monastery, and Theresa Hoelzeman of Morrilton; two brothers: Herbert Huber of Subiaco, AR and Stanely Huber of New Lenox, IL: and all her Sisters in community.

Sr. Irene Verkamp died October 6, 2003 at the age of 80.

Sr. Irene made her religious profession June 24, 1941. On the teaching staff of St. Scholastica Academy and later at St. Anne's High School, both in Fort Smith, she taught mathematics, physics, and science. She also served the community as Secretary-Treasurer from 1972-1992.

She is survived by a sister, Imogene Stec of Fort Smith; a brother, Herman Verkamp of Charleston; nieces and nephews; and her sisters in community.

Sr. Charlene Lindeman died September 6, 2003 at the age of 84.

Sr. Charlene made her religious profession June 24, 1941. She worked approximately forty years at St. Joseph Orphanage, later St. Joseph Day Care, where she enriched the lives of many youngsters with her encouragement, support, and love.

She is survived by four sisters: Ida Schumaker of Hereford, TX, Rosella Aichlmayr of Salem, OR, Gertrude DeButts of Lebanon, OR, and Mathilda Anderle of Nazareth, TX; four brothers: W.L. and Bennie Lindeman, both of Windthorst, TX, Charles Lindeman of Columbus, OH, and Joe Lindeman of Archer City, TX; and many nieces and nephews, as well as her sisters in community.

Sr. Frances Hacker died July 30, 2003 at the age of 91.

Sr. Frances made her religious profession August 26, 1928 and recently celebrated her 75th Jubilee. She began her teaching at Prairie View, AR and eventually taught at our Academy. In 1938 she began schooling for a nursing degree, which she earned in 1941. Later that year she passed boards for her RN license in Missouri, and in 1943 received her Arkansas RN license. Subsequently she worked in many of our hospitals, and was for a while the Academy hurse and also joined the Infirmary staff. After retiring in 1985, she participated in various activities and work here at the Monastery.

She is survived by a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews, and her sisters in community.

Sr. Florence Yutterman died May 5, 2003 at the age of 95.

After making her religious profession on June 24, 1925, Sr. Florence was missioned as a teacher for many years. In addition to regular classes, she introduced many students to music, sewing, dancing and directed plays.

Sr. Florence is survived by three sisters: Loretta Meeks of Huffman, TX, Laura Karr of Chico, CA, Stella McGrath of St. Louis, MO, and also by her sisters in community.

Sr. Mayme Finley died December 25, 2002 at the age of 92.

Sr. Mayme made her religious profession on June 24, 1935 and attended nursing school. After serving many years as a Registered Nurse, she became a registered Medical Records Librarian.

Sr. Mayme is survived by a brother, Charles Oktavec of The Woodlands, TX, and the sisters of her religious community.

Sr. Eleanora Fritchie died November 25, 2002 at the age of 89.

After her monastic profession on June 24, 1934, Sr. Eleanora became a Registered Nurse and served in our hospitals.

She is survived by a sister, Helen Wolfe of Scranton, AR and the sisters of her religious community.

Sr. Antonita Hain died November 20, 2002 at the age of 92.

Sr. Antonita made monastic profession on June 25, 1929. After a career in teaching, she transferred into hospital work, first in medical records, then eventually became Administrator of hospitals. Upon returning to the monastery, she served as House Coordidnator and later as Secretary to two Prioresses.

She is survived by her sisters in community.

Sr. Apollonia Moix died November 16, 2002 at the age of 88.

After making monastic profession on June 24, 1939, Sr. Apollonia received training and was a registered X-ray technologist and anestheist.

She is survived by three sisters, Katherine White of Conway; Josephine Brummer of Harlingen, TX, and Ann Belkett of Ohio; a brother, Joseph Moix of Little Rock; nieces and nephews; and her sisters in community.

Sr. Elaine Walbe died March 26, 2002 at the age of 84.

Sr. Elaine made her monastic profession on June 24, 1937. She was trained and certified in X-Ray technology, Medical Records, and also as a Medical Records Librarian. In addition, she was certified in Management Training. She served a total of some 53 years in health care at St. Joseph's Hospital in Boonville, MO; St. Hildegarde's Hospital in Clarksville, and St. Anthony's Hospital (later called Conway County Hospital) in Morrilton, AR. Since her retirment in 1993 she resided at the Monastery.

Sr. Elaine is survived by her Sisters in community, and many nieces and nephews.

Sr. Loretto Arceneaux died March 23, 2002 at the age of 83.

Sr. Loretto entered our community in 1972, transferring from her previous order of the Congregation of the Immaculate Conception in New Orleans, where she made vows on August 10, 1936. She became a professed monastic on June 17, 1973. After serving here as a teacher for approximately 10 years, she joined the Core Staff at our Hesychia House of Prayer in 1981-82 and again from 1985-1995. After returning to the Monastery in 1995, she helped in the St. Scholastica Bakery until retiring in 1997.

She is survived by her brother, Edward Arceneaux of Convent, LA; and four sisters-in-law, Quinnie and Blanche Arceneaux of Baton Rouge, LA., Thelma Arceneaux of Port Allen, LA, and Jeanne Arceneaux of Labadieville, LA; cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and by her Sisters in community.

Sr. Dominic Siebenmorgen died March 11, 2002 at the age of 83.

Sr. Dominic made her monastic profession on June 24, 1937. As a Novice she received schooling in monastic subjects, and then took courses in homemaking to prepare for her ministry as homemaker for sisters on missions. She excelled in this ministry, serving for fifty years as cook and housekeeper.

Her first assignment was as homemaker to the hospital sisters at Morrilton. She also served our school sisters at seven different locations. In addition she twice was cook and housekeeper at the Bishop's residence in Little Rock, worked in the Subiaco Abbey kitchen, and also served St. Scholastica Academy. Upon her retirement to the Monastery in 1987, she continued to help with household chores.

She is survived by a sister, Hilda Siebenmorgen of Conway; a brother, Justin Siebenmorgen of Conway; and two sisters-in-law, Helen Nabholz of Conway and Carolyn Siebenmorgen of Little Rock; and members of the monastic community.

Sr. Maurus Witt died February 13, 2002 at the age of 68.

Sr. Maurus made her profession of faith August 9, 1953. She was manager of the Gift Shop in St. Scholastica Retreat Center, and was a certified dietitian. Well known for her creativity in cake design and decoration, Sr. Maurus regularly provided beautiful desserts for special occasions here at the monastery. In addition, she excelled at candy making and would frequently have specialty candies available in the Gift Shop.

She is survived by sisters of her religious community; three sisters, Fern Stallsmith and Rita Cook, both of Tulsa, OK, and Mary Jo Tetreault of Catossa, OK; two brothers, Jack Witt of Clayton, OK, and Vincent Witt of Catossa, OK; and several nieces and nephews.

Sr. Helen Schneider died February 12, 2002 at the age of 90.

Sr. Helen made her religious profession on June 24, 1935. She served the community for many years as an accomplished seamstress. In addition, she worked in the yard and particularly enjoyed harvesting flower seeds to share with others, and her duties in our greenhouses.

She is survived by three sisters, Catherine Wagner of Fort Smith, Louise Eckart and Eva Strobel, both of Subiaco; a brother, Edward Schneider of Muenster, TX; nieces and nephews; and her sisters in community.

Sr. Concetta Mazzanti died December 7, 2001 at the age of 82.

Sr. Concetta made her religious profession on June 24, 1938. She was assigned to St. Joseph's Orphanage in North Little Rock from 1938-1962, where she was house mother for the young boys. She then returned to Ft. Smith, serving as manager of the Academy Girls' Dining Room till 1966. Sr. Concetta again served St. Joseph's from 1970-97. In addition, in the early 70's she helped establish and became Director of the Westside Clinic, which served the poor, in Little Rock.

She is survived by four sisters, Dell Mazzanti of Lake Village, Margaret Agussi of Cleveland, MS, Lena Mazzanti of Little Rock, and Catherine DiStrito of Goulds, FL; and four brothers, Joe Mazzanti of Lake Village, Edwin Mazzanti of Virginia Beach, VA, John Mazzanti of Norfolk, VA, and Pete Mazzanti of Laurel, MS; and by her sisters in community.

Sister Antonia Lutz, OSB died December 2, 2001 at the age of 68.

Sr. Antonia made her monastic profession on June 24, 1954 and served as a school teacher in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. She also served the community as House Coordinator and as Retreat Center Director. In addition, she served a Parish in Missouri as a Pastoral Associate.

She is survived by a sister, Mary Luella Powell of Amarillo, Texas; five brothers, Jimmy Lutz of Pocola, Ben Lutz of Elmore City, OK, Bill Lutz of Fort Smith, John Lutz of Apopka, FL, and Herman Lutz of Lake Wales, FL; and by her sisters in community.

Sister Anastasia Gallus, OSB died October 13, 2001,at the age of 92.

Sr. Anastasia, who made her monastic profession on June 24,1959, was a homemaker for the missions in Altus, Little Rock, and at the monastery in Fort Smith. In addition, she was a very fine seamtress.

Sr. Anastasia is survived by a sister, Pauline Rathburn of Raymore, MO; by four brothers, Elmer, Basil, Hubert and Robert Gallus, all of Maysville, MO; by several nieces and nephews; and by her sisters in community.

Sister Anacletus Schroeder, OSB died July 21, 2001, at the age of 83.

Sister Anacletus Schroeder made her monastic profession on June 24, 1936. She was a professional nurse for 52 years, and worked in Clarksville, Dermott, Morrilton, Van Buren and Boonville, MO. After retiring from nursing, she served the monastery as receptionist untill her recent illness. She has four nieces who are members of St. Scholastica Monastery.

In addition to her sisters in community, Sr. Anacletus is survived by two sisters, Agnes Linderman of Archer City, TX, and Dorothy Bockholt of Robstown, TX; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Schroeder and Lucille Schroeder, both of Windthorst, TX; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Sister Bernice Kraus, OSB died June 24, 2001, at the age of 88.

Sister Bernice Kraus, who made her monastic profession on June 24, 1934, was a childcare provider at St. Joseph's Orphange in Little Rock. Later, at home in the monastery, she served the community as mail distributor.

She is survived by the sisters of her religious community; two sisters, Julia Horton of Pilot Grove, MO, and Pauline Richardson of Booneville; and a brother, Edgar Kraus of Pilot Grove.

Sister Benita Wewers, OSB died April 12, 2001,at the age of 86.

Sister Benita Wewers was a teacher in parochial schools in Little Rock, Fayetteville and St. Scholastica Academy in Fort Smith. She made her religious profession on June 24,1934. She was prioress of St. Scholastica Monastery from 1959-63. For many years she was in charge of Teenage Religious Education (TARE) for Catholic high school students in the Fort Smith area. She was involved in the Scripture Study Program of the Diocese of Little Rock.

She is survived by the sisters of her religious community; a brother, Lawrence Wewers of Fort Smith; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sister Leonella Spanke, OSB died January 21, 2001, at the age of 83.

Sister Leonella made her monastic profession in 1936 and earned her master's degree in history from Creighton University in Omaha. Her 42-year teaching career included assignments in Prairie View, Charleston, Scranton, Altus, St. Vincent, Rogers, Subiaco, Tontitown, Clarksville, all in AR, and Pilot Grove, MO. She spent several years working as the monastery's librarian and archivist. In 1999 she retired to spend her time as part of the prayer team.

Her cousin, Abbot Jerome Kodell, OSB of Subiaco Abbey, presided at the funeral Mass.

She is survived by three brothers, Edwin Spanke of Schereville, IN, Theodore Spanke of Indianapolis, IN, and Francis Spanke of Overland Park, KS, and by her sisters in community.

Sister Gertrude Grabber, OSB died January 18, 2001, at the age of 73.

The native of St. Francis, Texas made her monastic profession in 1955. For the past fifteen years she was director of maintenance and housekeeping at St. Scholastica Center. Previously, she was on staff at St. Joseph Home in No. Little Rock from 1958 until 1986, serving as the director of the orphanage's girls' department from 1958 to 1971. She earned a degree in music therapy and worked in nursing homes and the Booneville Development Center. She was the guitarist for monastery liturgies.

She is survived by five sisters, Mary Wieck and Lillian Friemel, both of Canyon, TX, Margaret Bertrand of Amarillo, TX, Sister Teresa Grabber, CCVI of San Antonio, TX and Bernice Grabber-Tintes of Belgrade,MN; four brothers, Bernard Grabber and Edward Grabber, both of Canyon, TX, John Grabber of Umbarger, TX, and Eugene Grabber of Garden City Beach, SC; and by her sisters in community.