WASHINGTON, D.C. Aug. 6 — Peace Corps Director Mark Gearan released the following the statement regarding the death this morning of former Peace Corps Director Loret Miller Ruppe. She served from 1981 to 1989, the longest-serving director in the 35-year history of the Peace Corps.

"The entire Peace Corps family mourns the loss of Loret Ruppe, who was the driving force behind the agency's revitalization in the 1980s. Her personal commitment, enthusiasm and love for the Peace Corps knew no bounds. 

But she didn't just love the idea of the Peace Corps- she knew how to make it more effective. She was rightfully proud of her efforts to keep the Peace Corps non-partisan. She understood that the Peace Corps must always signify all Americans pulling together for peace. 

The Peace Corps of today, as well as the thousands of individual volunteers who served during her tenure, owe her an immense debt of gratitude for her vision, dedication and leadership.

I personally benefited from Loret's wise counsel and appreciated the time and energy that she unfailingly devoted to the Peace Corps. She will be greatly missed."