Ivy F. Rufe

Ivy Friesell Rufe, affectionately known as Ivy to friends, and Danny to family, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at her residence in Sellersville, PA. She was 91 years old on the date of passing. Ivy was born in Pittsburgh, on July 6, 1934, and was named Ivy Burchfield Friesell. Her parents were William Henderson Friesell Jr. and Gertrude (Burchfield) Stupakoff Friesell. She was the youngest of 4 children. Her siblings were Willam H Friesell III, Semon S. Friesell, and Jeanne (Friesell)Dickey. She attended The Masters School, in Dobbs Ferry, NY, then Centenary College, Hackettstown, NJ, graduating in 1955. She married William Hart Rufe III in 1955, and settled in Sellersville, PA, where they raised a family of four. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1993. Shortly thereafter, Ivy moved to Lansdale, Pa. She was hired as a librarian and teacher aide at The Quaker School, in Horsham, PA, where she worked for several years, until she retired. She was adored by students and faculty for her enthusiasm, her passion to teach, and her ability to inspire students with complex challenges. In 2023, she returned to Sellersville to live at Hidden Meadows On The Ridge, a senior living and care facility, where she was loved and admired by neighbors and staff. Everyone will remember Ivy as extremely loving, strong-willed, and nostalgic. She enjoyed telling stories, especially when reminiscing about family, close friends, sports, places, and experiences. She was an avid family cheerleader, she had a competitive spirit, and she loved attending her children's and grandchildren's sports events. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, knitting and crochet. She loved cats and dogs, especially Ashley, her feline pet and companion late in life. She was not afraid to take on challenges head on, and she was extremely creative with designing spaces including a complete remodel of the family home. She saved many keepsakes, but most important to Ivy was her family, life-long memories, and her treasured relationships, young and old, life-long and newly born. Ivy is survived by her four children and their spouses, William H. and Jenneifer L. Rufe IV, James F. and Elizabeth B. Rufe, Ivy (Rufe) and Michael O'Neill, and Diane (Rufe) Hosaisy, along with 9 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. The Rufe family will have a private funeral ceremony in Stone Harbor, NJ, where Ivy spent many wonderful summers, and held some of her dearest memories.