Ruth Lauffer (1925-2010)

Ruth Lauffer 1925-2010

Ruth Lauffer, who grew up in Kilchberg (ZH), passed away on February 17 at the age of 85. Through a cousin she met Martha Stoll, and together they spent a year with the Hahnloser family, first in Caux and then with Heinrich Schaefer in Lucerne, where she was able to put her secretarial skills to good use.

At the same time she felt responsible for her sick mother. Caux had a profound effect on Ruth's life. The four criteria were her guiding light and she always remained faithful to the daily meditation.

It was late in life that she discovered her gift for watercolor and the pleasure of painting. Beautiful paintings of flowers and some landscapes later decorated her room. Painting courses, walks in the mountains, all this was close to her heart.

I remember Ruth from our walks around Lucerne and the lively discussions. She quickly discovered my sympathy and commitment to developing countries and especially my interest in what was being done there in the spirit of Caux.

In the summer of 2005 a stroke left Ruth paralyzed on one side. This was the beginning of a difficult period, but thanks to the sensitivity of a therapist, she was able to continue painting delicate watercolors with her left hand and use her creativity.

Margarit Küng