Carole Ruf Gurley, Ν Carole Ruf Gurley was initiated into Sigma Sigma Sigma in April, 1963. She remembers that she had gone to a junior college and after graduating went on to Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO. Being a junior, she was anxious to be a part of the Greek system and didn’t hesitate when she had to make known her preferences during recruitment. She wanted to be a Sigma and that was #1. She didn’t list any other preferences! Since Carole was a junior, she wasn’t involved with the campus chapter very long but does remember performing in a Homecoming skit. She quickly became certain of her part in sorority life. Tri Sigma sisters gave her the confidence to do this because she never would have done it without their encouragement and support. She has maintained her allegiance to Tri Sigma by meeting with two alumnae chapters, Greater Kansas City and S.E. Jackson County. She has been a Vice President of the Kansas City chapter and a secretary in the S.E. Jackson County chapter.
Carole has been a kindergarten teacher but is retired now. Her husband passed away eight years ago, but she is blessed with two sons and five grandchildren living nearby. One son (Daniel) is an orthopedic surgeon and loves to coach his children’s sports teams. He is also the team doctor for a high school in Leawood, KS, and for the University of Kansas City. Her son, Greg, works for the University of Kansas and is in the Sports Department (Development) and helps Bill Self, the basketball coach at KU. Her advice to Sigma Sisters: “It’s a wonderful Sisterhood, having two sisters of my own, my Sigma Sisters are the best.” Activities and Accomplishments: Carole is a 30-year breast cancer survivor, recovering from Lyme’s disease, volunteers in Reach for Recovery, tutors at Charter School, Den mother coach, and Carnival Chairman. Her hobbies include party planning, cooking, sewing, reading, watching grandchildren’s games and recitals and enjoying a book club through the K.C. alumnae chapters.
Jacqueline Devine Lewis, ΒΓ Jacqueline Devine Lewis, better known as Jacque, became a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma in 1963 at Ball State University. She graduated with B.A. and M.A. degrees in elementary education and went on to teach kindergarten for three years. After that, she started her family of five sons – Rick, Greg, Jeff, Matt and Jason. She now has four daughters-in-law and nine grandchildren and another on the way – three girls, six boys and a girl scheduled to arrive this month. Jacque somehow found time to work for 25 years in marketing and as a sales manager for Independent Living Communities in Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia, and Florida. She and her husband, Howard, are now retired and find time to cruise at least two times a year. When we talked, they had just returned from Alaska where they toured by bus, train, and ship. They even tried white water rafting in the Denali National Park which she said was lots of fun. Jacque looks after her 93-year-old mother, who still lives on her own. Her memory of sorority life was the enjoyment of sisterhood with other Sigmas. Jacque says her advice to other Sigma Sisters is to surround yourself with positive people – people who build you up not tear you down. Her alumnae connection is with the Muncie Alumnae and Sarasota/Manatee Counties Alumnae chapters. To quote Jacque, “I love my Sigma Sisters – especially my wonderful alumnae Sisters who are so positive and caring.” Activities and Interests: Jacque and her husband golf at least three times a week; she reads any book by James Patterson; has started playing mahjong; and belongs to a Shapes Fitness Center. In addition, she entertains grandchildren whenever possible.
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