Sister Lois Ann Cline

Sister Lois Ann Cline was born on November 24, 1937, in Shelby, Ohio, to John and Mary (Kempf) Cline. She was the second of four children with an older sister and a younger brother and sister. When Sister was in second grade, her family moved from town to a farm. It was here that Lois Ann began to realize all the beauty with which God had surrounded her. Sunrises, sunsets, snowfalls, colored leaves, star constellations, and fascinating, colorful birds led her to conclude that the goodness of God is greater than you can imagine.

Sister Lois Ann was raised in a very religious family, and she counts her family as one of her greatest blessings. From the words and witness of her parents, she came to know the meaning of faith early in life. In addition, she was blessed with a Catholic education first grade through college. Through all these experiences she came to know Jesus-not just in her mind, but more importantly in her heart.

Already in second grade, Sister Lois Ann had a desire to become a sister. So, when God called her to religious life at the age of 14, she could not have been happier. Her Franciscan vocation would bring her closer to God and help her fulfill her purpose in life. It would also give her the opportunity to tell the world, "God is good, and God loves you!" This journey began on September 2, 1952, when she entered the Postulancy. On June 21,1953, she became a novice and made her Final Profession of Vows on August 3, 1959.

For 28 years Sister served as a teacher, not just teaching reading and writing, but also the importance of faith. Whether it was her gentleness, her sensitive listening, or her deep spirituality, students loved to talk with her. Although she had always dreamed of being a nurse, she came to realize that being a teacher was a great grace in her life.

After Sister retired from teaching, she served as a Director of Religious Education for four years and then as hostess at our Portiuncula Center for Prayer. Through the years, she was also an assistant principal, Council member, Temporal Affairs Office Assistant, Local Community Leader, seamstress, sacristan, homemaker, and above all, a faithful and gracious community member.

Sister Lois Ann saw her Sisters in community as precious gifts from a loving God-Sisters who loved, supported, and encouraged her. When celebrating her 60th Jubilee she said, "I am so blessed to live among women who take seriously their commitment to Jesus and his kingdom and who are faithful and generous in their service." Sister would say that her life was constantly inundated with the goodness of God, and that's why she woke up each morning singing. In 2022 on the occasion of her 70th Jubilee she said, "I'm at peace. I've learned that God can make even the desert bloom in God's own time."

Sister asked for hospice as she walked her final pilgrimage. Then before midnight of May 1, Sister Death visited Sister Lois Ann and swept her away on wings of love into the arms of her Beloved. Sister Lois Ann, may you sing forever your love song to the One who loved you into life and goodness.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held.  Sister Lois Ann was buried at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Avilla, Indiana.

Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N Main St., Avilla, assisted with local arrangements.

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