Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB, 1938-2025

Our beloved Sister Ruth Ksycki, O.S.B., passed away on Thursday evening, July 3, 2025. Visitation will be at the monastery from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, followed by a Christian Wake service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 9, at 11:00 a.m.

Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB 

1938-2025 

Sr. Ruth (Cecilia) Ksycki, OSB, died Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Monastery.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, in the Chapel of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island.  Following the Mass, Sr. Ruth’s wishes were to have her body donated to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program for scientific study.  

Sr. Ruth was born on May 14, 1938, in Peoria, IL, a daughter of Frank and Helen Pocius Ksycki.  She entered the Benedictine community on August 15, 1956 and made her profession as a Benedictine Sister on July 11, 1958. 

Ruth attended grade school at St. Boniface, Peoria, IL, high school at the Academy of Our Lady, Peoria, IL.  She received her Bachelor’s from Marycrest College, Davenport, IA, her Master of Science in Business Administration from The University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN and her Certificate-Corporate Ministry Program from St. Louis Corporate Ministry Program.   

Sr. Ruth’s ministry included teaching early education at Catholic Grade Schools in Nauvoo and LaSalle, IL, and in Munster, IN.  She taught high school Business and Literature at St. Mary’s Academy, Nauvoo.  She served as Monastery Treasurer and Academy Business Manager for many years, and later as Assistant Treasurer.  

Sr. Ruth was Associate Director of Finance and Development for the Diocese of Peoria, IL, from 1988-1996.  She served 8 years as Prioress of her community, and later became Finance Director at St. Pius X Parish, Rock Island, IL.  For the past 20 years she has been Director of the Benedictine Oblates of St. Mary Monastery.

Sr. Ruth is survived by her Benedictine Sisters; her sisters and brother and their spouses, Adele Ksycki Arnold, James (Patricia) Ksycki, Ann (Kenneth) Ensor, and Margaret Ksycki Maroon; and many beloved nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Rosemary Ksycki Dresbach and Helen Ksycki Johnson.