Dear Members of the Campus Community,
It is with deep sorrow that I share the news of the passing of Ruth Ann Craven, who was a devoted and caring member of our staff for the last 43 years. Ruth Ann came to Bucknell in 1974 as a staff member in the Department of Psychology. Since 1994, she served as the administrative assistant for the Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life and worked tirelessly behind the scenes at Rooke Chapel. She also served as the caretaker for Ward House on campus.
In recognition of Ruth Ann’s commitment to Bucknell, she was awarded the 2014 Zeller Award for support staff excellence. Anyone who has attended a religious service, a choir or bell concert, or Candlelight Service at Rooke Chapel has experienced her attention to detail and steadfast loyalty to the University.
A memorial service for Ruth Ann will be held at Rooke Chapel on Sunday, February 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Members of the Bucknell community are encouraged to visit our In Memoriam Site at bucknell.edu/InMemoriam and share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
For support during this difficult time, students are encouraged to contact the Counseling and Student Development Center at 570-577-1604, and employees are reminded that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available by calling 866-799-2655.
On behalf of the entire Bucknell community, I extend our deepest sympathies to Ruth Ann’s family, as well as to all who knew and worked with her at Bucknell.
John
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ruth Ann. I am a junior at Bucknell, and have sang in the Rooke Chapel Vocal Ensemble every semester I have been here. Ruth Ann treated everyone she met as if they were her family. She had such a big heart, and always made you feel welcomed. She not only was the administrative assistant to rooke chapel for me, but she was someone I could always turn to for a smile. She will be deeply deeply missed.
I worked with Ruth Ann during my time as “Chapel Girl,” helping to support the services at Rooke Chapel while I was a student. Over that time, we became friends and continued to stay in touch throughout these many years since. I always appreciated her beautiful e-card at Christmas and detailed emails about the latest goings-on at Rooke. She shared in my joys as I got married and had my two children. I enjoyed catching up with her when I went back to campus for reunions or Candlelight or just to visit. She was a beautiful person, full of kindness and selfless care for the Bucknell community. I know I share the sentiment with thousands of alumni who have been part of the spiritual community at
Bucknell when I say she will be missed and that our days at Bucknell and after were enriched because of her presence in them. May you rest in peace, friend.