‘She taught for so long, it was incredible’

Our mom was a teacher, a very good one. We had two great aunts who were teachers. So teaching came down the line. My older sister Carol and Dawn both became elementary teachers. Dawn taught two generations of fourth graders at the Clancy School. She loved it, and she loved her kids. I think that’s what kept her going. She was doing what she wanted to be doing, and it showed.

—Sharol Ruf

Mrs. Ruf was one of my favorite teachers. She would always read to us. And sometimes when someone answered a question right, she would say, “You’re so smart!” and throw a Smartie at them from the little jar on her desk.