Ritanne V. Pursel

1936 - 2026

Ritanne V. Pursel, 89, of Hellertown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Saucon Valley Manor, Hellertown. She was the devoted wife of Joseph E. Pursel, Jr., with whom she shared a loving marriage since August 10, 1958—a union of deep faith, partnership, and enduring commitment.  Born in Allentown on December 30, 1936, Ritanne was the daughter of the late Paul J. Hoffner, Sr. and Rose (Stummer) Hoffner. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Paul J. Hoffner, Jr. and Robert C. Hoffner.

Ritanne began her professional career as an IBM Key Puncher at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, where her precision and dedication were evident. Yet her true vocation was found in ministry and spiritual formation. A lifelong student of theology, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theology from DeSales University.

Her faith guided the many roles she embraced throughout her life. Ritanne served as Director of Adult Formation at St. Mary’s in Kutztown, Assistant Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Allentown, Retreat Director at St. Francis Retreat House in Easton, and Adjunct Supervisor in the Spiritual Formation Program at Moravian Theological Seminary. She was also a Spiritual Director International with Spiritual Directors of the Lehigh Valley, walking alongside many as they deepened their relationship with God.

A devoted member of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Hellertown, Ritanne’s life reflected quiet service, wisdom, and compassion. Beyond her ministry work, she generously volunteered with the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival and was an avid reader who found joy and inspiration within the pages of countless books.

In addition to her beloved husband, Joseph, she is survived by her sons: Brian Joseph Pursel and his wife Cindy of Ocala, FL, and Craig Edward Pursel and his wife Susan of Pennsburg. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Ali Rose, Jordan Elizabeth, and Cori Helen Pursel. She is also survived by her step-grandchildren: Abby (Tom) Tomasic, Jodi (Adam) Schwab, Megan (Charles) Evans, and Matthew Sikora; her step-great-grandchildren: Tye, Kathryn, and Hadley Tomasic, and Ava Schwab; as well as cherished extended family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., 326 Main Street, Hellertown, followed by a service at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Union Cemetery of Hellertown. A funeral repast will be held at the Carriage House at Heintzelman’s immediately following the service.  Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn’s Foundation, 510 E. Township Line Road, Suite 160, Blue Bell, PA 19422.