RUMA — Sister Dorothy Ann Ax, an Adorer of the Blood of Christ, died July 28 at the ASC Ruma Center. She was 87 years old and had been an Adorer for 71 years.
She was born on Jan. 6, 1926 and baptized Margaret Elizabeth; her parents, Joseph and Margaret Ellen (White) Ax raised their five daughters and one son in East St. Louis. She was educated by Adorers at St. Elizabeth School.
Sister Dorothy Ann made first vows as an Adorer on July 1, 1942, and final profession on July 1, 1947. After one year of teaching in Kelso, Mo., (1945-1946), Sister Dorothy Ann earned an R.N. from St. John's Nursing School in Springfield and began her nursing ministry. She served at Red Bud Regional Hospital (St. Clement's) three times, from 1949-1958, from 1959-1964, and from 1971-1973. She ministered at Taylorville Memorial Hospital (St. Vincent's) from 1964-1971, working most often at night in the maternity unit.
The love and skill she developed for gardening as a child was used at Ruma from 1973 until 1983. From 1985-1990 she cared for the elderly at St. Ann's Home in Chester. In 1990 she returned to the Ruma Center garden which quickly became her pride and joy and a source of great peace and contentment.
Sister Dorothy Ann volunteered at tiny St. Leo's Parish close to Ruma where she did sacristy work, helped with the liturgy, and worked at the parish picnic.
Preceding her in death were her parents; a sister, Dorothy Ann Walker; a brother-in-law Robert Halvachs; and niece Carol Marie Halvachs.
Surviving are her sisters, Mary Jo Halvachs-Keeser of Shiloh, Virginia Mackey of Greenfield, Ind., and Rose Pappas of Belleville; brother, Raymond of Collinsville; brother-in-law Tom Walker of Kokomo, Ind.; godson Michael Joseph Ax; many nieces and nephews; and members of her religious community.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Aug. 1, with Father Clyde Grogan presiding. Sister Barbara Hudock, ASC regional leader, gave reflections. Burial followed in the community cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Sister Dorothy Ann's name may be sent to the ASC Retirement Fund, 4233 Sulphur Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 or made on-line at www.adorers.org by clicking on the Donate button in the upper right corner.