Sr. Clara Ternes

SISTER CLARA TERNES, ASC, 88 of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Ruma Center, Ruma, Illinois, passed away at 10:10 pm, Sunday, November 27, 2016 at the Ruma Center, Ruma, Illinois.

She was born to the late Martin and Clara (nee Girrens) Ternes on April 28, 1928 in Wichita, Kansas.

She made her first vows as an Adorer of the Blood of Christ on July 1, 1944 and perpetual profession on July 1, 1949 and had been professed for 72 years.

Sr. Clara received her R.N. from St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing, Springfield, Illinois in 1949; her certification as a Registered Nurse Anesthetist from St. Francis Hospital, Peoria, Illinois in 1952; her bachelor’s in theology from Saint Louis University in 1974; her master’s in Theology from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, Illinois in 1976.

As a dedicated medical professional for almost 60 years, Sr. Clara ministered nine years in Pastoral Care at the following institution: St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, IL; St. Clement (now Red Bud Regional) Hospital and Maria Care Nursing Home, both in Red Bud, IL; and Clementine Hall in Ruma, IL.

Her seven years as nurse were spent at St. Vincent (now Taylorville Memorial) Hospital in Taylorville, IL. After gaining her certification in anesthesiology, she ministered for 14 years at St. Vincent Memorial in Taylorville and St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, IL. She received a 1 year fellowship at the Institute of Religion in Houston, and then continued as an instructor at the institute for another three years. She was appointed as the Director of ASC Health Ministries for four years; during this time she participated in the Hospital Executive Development Program. During Sr. Clara’s final 19 years in the health care field she served as vice President of Mission, Values and Ethics for the Southern Illinois Health Systems in Carbondale, Illinois.

Sr. Clara was prayerful, reflective and a life-long learner. She was active in professional organizations and committees, sometimes serving as chairperson. She considered the opportunity to return to school an event that broadened her vision and understanding. During her time as Instructor at the Institute of Region in Houston, she gave 32 talks, created and taught three mini courses and had two articles published in Medical magazines. During her time in Houston, she was also an adjunct faculty member of Texas Woman’s University.

Sr. Clara began Living Mission in Later Life at the Ruma Center in 2013. When illness slowed her pace, she reevaluated her life, seeking to know the future God had in mind for her.

Survivors:

Many Nieces, Nephews and members of the ASC Community

Preceded in death by :             Parents, 4 Sisters – Helen (Myron) Wiltfong, Clara (Thomas) Ostrander, Mary Goodrum and Juanita (Richard) Hattrup and 2 Brothers – John (Judy) Ternes and Martin (Tharan) Ternes.

Mass of Christian Burial:
10:00 am, Thursday, December 1, 2016

Ruma Center Chapel, Ruma, Illinois

Visitation:
Wednesday – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm                                                                                   with Prayer Service at 7:00 pm
Ruma Center Chapel, Ruma, Illinois
Interment:
Convent Cemetery

Ruma, Illinois

Donations in memory of Sister Clara Ternes may be sent to the ASC Retirement Fund, 4233 Sulphur Avenue, St. Louis, MO  63109 or online at www.adorers.org , “Support Our Ministries”.