FRANCES RUFTY WAS ALWAYS A LIFE-LONG LEARNER.

That’s why she attended technical school at age 50 and learned to lay brick for a personal home remodel. It’s the reason she had a personal computer—and taught herself how to use it—years before they were commonly found in homes.

“The value of education was something her parents instilled in her,” said Frances’ daughter-in-law, Diane Rufty. “No one can take your education away from you.”

In addition to her zest for learning, Frances was a force. Born in 1924, she was whip-smart and finished high school at age 15 followed by Duke University at age 19. Although it was an era when most women didn’t work outside the home, much less attend college, Frances went on to graduate from Duke University School of Law at age 20.

“She didn’t want to be a secretary, nurse, or teacher—and she didn’t want to depend on anyone,” Diane said. “But it was difficult for her to find a job to start out because it was very unusual for a woman to be a lawyer.”

Even so, Frances and her husband ran a successful general law practice in North Carolina. She was also the first woman in her county to hold an elected office, serving two terms as Rowan County Clerk of Superior Court, before retiring to Las Vegas.

One constant throughout her life was the fact that Frances wasn’t willing to let anything stop her, and she never wanted to see others stop short of their dreams either. That’s why, after finding The Meadows School for her grandchildren to attend, the Rufty family became ongoing supporters of the school and its students.

“My mother wanted everyone to have the opportunity to have a good education, anyone who wanted it,” said son Archie Rufty, Jr. “She loved to give back, and said she could never give back as much as God had blessed her with.”

Over the years at The Meadows, however, she certainly tried. In 2012, Frances Rufty financially supported two students to attend The Meadows from kindergarten through their senior year of high school. The Rufty family funded the math and science Middle School wing and also contributed to the recent Upper School STEM expansion.

Those gifts were a reflection of the fondness with which Frances saw the school.

“She loved the people in the school,” her son said. “They brought her so much joy.”

Frances saw six of her grandchildren attend The Meadows, making a point of being in the audience for every performance and game.

“She didn’t miss anything they were in,” Diane Rufty remembered. “She knew the students and the teachers. Her favorite thing was to visit everybody.”

Frances Rufty passed away last year at the age of 97, but the influence she left on the school and those around her lives on. In 2022, Frances was inducted into The Meadows’ Hall of Fame.

“She was a remarkable lady, salt of the earth,” Archie Rufty, Jr. said. “She made everyone around her feel good. You were the only person in the room when you spoke to her. You always felt better after seeing her.”

Mcgraws Brought

‘WORLD-CLASS’ PERSPECTIVE TO THE MEADOWS BOARD

JOHN AND DEANA MCGRAW REMAIN AS PASSIONATE TODAY ABOUT THE MEADOWS SCHOOL AS THEY WERE WHEN THEY BECAME INVOLVED WITH THE SCHOOL NEARLY A DECADE AGO.

The McGraws joined the Board of Trustees in 2016 and served a five-year term until the end of the 2021-22 school year. They are the proud parents of Meadows graduates Elena Paradiso (2018) and Jackson Hinz (2021).

During their tenure, their impact has been tremendous. John served on several board committees and chaired the Buildings and Grounds Committee for a few years. Deana was instrumental in forming and serving as co-chair of the Board’s Head of School Support and Evaluation Committee and served on other committees, as well. The McGraws’ lead gift for the school’s STEM expansion supercharged fundraising efforts, resulting in the official naming of the space as The John and Deana McGraw Family STEM Center.

“We were honored to be asked to serve and inspired to do so because we felt that our perspectives from our work experiences and raising children in the San Francisco Bay area could provide a new and helpful ‘outsiders’ viewpoint that could aid in improving the school in areas where we might have a fresh take,” Deana said.

Board Vice Chair Pat Ramsey said the McGraws helped lead The Meadows through a challenging time with the pandemic. They further developed a culture of philanthropy and while their departure leaves a hole, the board has been intentional about filling the pipeline with future leaders.

“The McGraws brought us a very global perspective. They do work all over the world, and that helps them understand what it means to be a world-class school. We’ll miss their leadership on the board,” Ramsey said.

Deana hopes others will be encouraged to become philanthropists and leaders for The Meadows. “Whether it is time, treasure, or talent, we all have something to give back to help make TMS a better school than when we first came to it. Each of us can have an important impact on the future of TMS.”

“Our goal is that one day, some of the greatest U.S. leaders in business, science, and technology will be TMS graduates!”

She added without hesitation that they would choose The Meadows all over again if given the opportunity.

“There hasn’t been a graduation ceremony yet where we have not been amazed at the quality of the students graduating and the depth of their kindness, humor, intellect, energy, and work ethic,” Deana said. “We are passionate about TMS and believe the school and its incredible teachers and administrators offer an unparalleled academic experience in Las Vegas.”