In Memory of Sister Ruth Ann Takes

February 12, 1944 – March 23, 2013

Sister Mary Ruth Ann Takes, 69, daughter of Leo and Rozena (Smith) Takes, was born Karen Kathryn Takes on February 12, 1944, in Monti, Iowa. She entered the Sisters of the Presentation in September 1962, and professed her perpetual vows on August 22, 1969.

She received a bachelor’s degree from Clarke College, Dubuque (Music), a master’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Music), and a master’s degree from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois (Pastoral Studies).

Her Presentation career took her to Mason City, Whittemore, Humboldt, Cedar Falls, Varina and Dubuque, all in Iowa; Clara City, Minnesota; and Timber Lake, South Dakota. Her ministries included music teacher, pastoral minister and liturgist, Mount Loretto house coordinator (2004-2010), and most recently, pastoral care associate at St. Therese of New Hope, Minnesota.

Sister Ruth Ann enjoyed singing with the Dubuque Archdiocesan Chorale and the Sweet Adelines, playing in bell choirs, embroidering, reading, line dancing and walking in nature. She stated that in the reality of life there are always difficult hurdles and situations that will happen. “Seek first the kingdom of God and the rest will fall in place.” Reflecting on her 50th Jubilee, celebrated in 2012, she stated, “I’ve been blessed with the gift of joy and a love for life.”

Surviving are her brothers, Carroll (Madonna) and James (Julie), her sisters, Patricia (Mark) McCright and Diane (Dave) Knott; nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of the Presentation with whom she shared her life for 51 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister-in-law, Janet Takes, and her nephews, Michael and Ryan.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or online at www.dubuquepresentations.org.