Sponsored Sponsored content Ritanne V. Pursel, 89, of Hellertown (Obituary Brought to You by Heintzelman Funeral Home)

Ritanne V. Pursel (1936 – 2026)

Ritanne V. Pursel, 89, of Hellertown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Saucon Valley Manor, Hellertown. She was the devoted wife of Joseph E. Pursel Jr., with whom she had shared a loving marriage since Aug. 10, 1958—a union of deep faith, partnership and enduring commitment. Born in Allentown on Dec. 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 in Bethlehem. 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.

SURVIVORS

In addition to her beloved husband, Joseph, she is survived by her sons: Brian Joseph Pursel and his wife Cindy of Ocala, Fla., 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.

SERVICES

Family and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at the Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 326 Main St., Hellertown. The calling hour will be 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 shared at Heintzelmancares.com.

CONTRIBUTIONS

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.