Category: 2016

Sister Rosarita Huber, 87, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away May 7, 2016 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The family of George and Sophie Huber welcomed their daughter, Gertrude Louise, into their family on September 24, 1928 in Subiaco, Arkansas.

She attended St. Scholastica Academy and entered St. Scholastica Monastery making her religious profession on June 24, 1948, taking the name Sister Mary Rosarita. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in music with the emphasis in organ, and a minor in education from Webster College, in Webster Groves, Missouri. Subsequently she earned her masters from St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, Indiana in education.

She began her 48-year teaching career in 1948, serving in St. Scholastica School, St. Boniface School, St. Scholastica Academy, St. Edward School, Subiaco Academy, and St. Scholastica Education Center. From 1970 to 1996, she taught at Howard and Tilles Public Schools in Fort Smith.

She was a gifted musician and served the community as organist, music teacher and choral director. After retiring from teaching Sister Rosarita served the community as the manager of the monastery laundry from 2001-2016.

She is preceded in death by her parents George and Sophie, two siblings, Sisters Herbert Huber and Marie Huber, OSB and her brother-in-law Aloys.

She is survived by the sisters of her community; brothers, Herbert J. Huber Stan A. Huber; and sister Therese Hoelzeman; her sisters-in-law, Brenda and Heidi; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, May 10, 2016 with Father Leslie Farley, St. Scholastica Monastery chaplain, as presiding, followed by burial in the monastery cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Scholastica Continuing Care Fund, P. O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913. Donate In Sr. Rosarita Huber’s Memory
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Sister Josita Nahlen, OSB, 99, who entered into eternal life on October 16, 2016, answered God’s call to religious life twice. She first entered St. Scholastica Monastery on August 30, 1934, but during her novitiate was called home to Conway to raise eight younger brothers and sisters after her mother’s death. Several years later, after her father married her Aunt Annie, she heard God’s call again, and felt peaceful and determined to return to St. Scholastica. She made her religious profession on June 24, 1942.

Sister Josita spent 47 years as an elementary school teacher and principal, earning her bachelor’s degree in Education from Quincy College during this time. She taught at St. Anthony’s School in Ratcliff; Sacred Heart School in Charleston; Holy Redeemer School in Clarksville; St. Joseph’s School in Pilot Grove, MO; Sts. Cyril and Methodius School in Slovac; St. Francis de Sales School in Lebanon, MO; and Archbishop O’Brien School in Russellville. She spent 33 years at her last assignment at St. John’s School and Church in Russellville, after her retirement as principal; she continued to work as the Director of Religious Education, then as an Assistant Director of Education for several more years.

During her retirement at the monastery Sister Josita enjoyed managing the monastery periodical room, sewing, and making arts and crafts for the gift shop. As she grew older, she lost her hearing, but kept a white board by her side so she could have conversations with her visitors.

Sister Josita is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, T. J. and Mary Ann Nahlen; and a sister, Anna Marie Gunderman, all from Conway, Arkansas; many nieces and nephews; and her religious community.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Joseph and Christine Nahlen; her stepmother, Anna Nahlen; four brothers, Clarence, Tony, Andrew, and Joseph; and two sisters, Gertrude and Theresa.

Vespers for the Dead was held Thursday, October 20, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. in St. Scholastica Monastery Chapel. The funeral Mass was celebrated October 21, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. with her great-nephew Father Jason Tyler presiding, followed by her burial in the monastery cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Scholastica Continuing Care Fund, P. O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913. Donate In Sr. Josita Nahlen’s Memory
via secure PayPal