Robert and Ruth Jefferis Memorial Scholarship Fund
Applications must be postmarked or submitted by October 15th.
Robert and Ruth Jefferis were married in 1930, and were long-time residents of the Chatfield Community until their passing (Ruth 1993 at age 86) and Robert (2007 at age 102). They were parents to seven children: Mary Ellen, Thomas, Roberta, Mallory, Marlene, Judith and Michael who were all graduates of Chatfield High School.
Robert was a long-time employee of the United State Postal Service, retiring in 1975 after 40 years of service. In retirement he pursued his long-time interest in aviation and took flying lessons. At the age of 74 he had his first solo flight! He was active in the community as a Boy Scout leader, charter member of the Brass Band, PTA president, and Western Days treasurer, Chatfield Cemetery Board, Masonic Lodge and Honorary Grand Marshall in the Western Days Parade. He and his wife were long time members of the Chatfield Methodist Church and served in the choir, as Sunday school teachers and various offices of the church. Robert was also known for his piano playing; something he continued until his passing. He especially liked ragtime but could play classical music as well. He sang at many wedding and funerals.
Ruth was a phenomenal homemaker and gardener who provided food for the family and the neighborhood as well by canning, freezing and baking. Ruth took nurses’ training at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis prior to her marriage and used her skill to assist and care for Chatfield residents, especially the elderly, throughout her lifetime. She was also active in her church as a circle chairman, UMW, Degree of Honor, Royal Neighbors as well as hosting a card and birthday club. In later years, Ruth enjoyed watching Iowa Girls’ Basketball, University of Minnesota football as well as being an avid Twins fan.
As parents, Bob and Ruth encouraged their children to participate in band, choir and athletics. They were long time patrons of the arts, attending events in Chatfield as well as other communities.
The children of Robert and Ruth are giving this scholarship in memory and in honor of their parents.
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
Nursing Scholarship
- Must have lived in the Chatfield School District for three years.
- Must have attended Chatfield High School for three years and graduated from Chatfield High School
- Must be majoring in a Registered Nurse Degree Program (two or four year program)
- Must be a full time student
- Must have maintained a 3.0 GPA
- Scholarship will be given at the beginning of the second year for a two year program or at the beginning of the third year for a four year program.
Music Scholarship
- Must have lived in the Chatfield School District for three years.
- Must have attended Chatfield High School for three years and graduated from Chatfield High School
- Must be majoring in a Musical Education or Performance Degree Program
- Must be a full time student
- Must have maintained a 3.0 GPA
- Scholarship to be given at the beginning of third year (Junior) of college.
Aviation Scholarship
- Must have lived in the Chatfield School District for three years.
- Must have attended Chatfield High School for three years and graduated from Chatfield High School
- Must be enrolled in a two or four year degree program at a University Aviation Association Member institution in an Aviation or Space-related major
- Must be a full time student
- Must have maintained a 3.0 GPA
- Scholarship will be given at the beginning of the second year for a two year program or at the beginning of the third year for a four year program.
- For students training to become pilots, non-citizens may be required to participate in the Alien Flight Student Program or other TSA programs before flight training is taken.
Download and print the Robert and Ruth Jefferis Memorial Scholarship Fund Application.
Or complete and submit the online application for the Robert and Ruth Jefferis Memorial Scholarship Fund here.