Josephine Ruf

"Love is All There Is"
Joey's departing words

Obituary

Josephine “Joey” Ruf, 86, passed away on January 23, 2026, in Argyle, NY, at the Washington Center for Rehabilitation after an extensive illness. A Bronx native and graduate of Good Counsel College, Joey was a dedicated middle school English teacher for 35 years in Bethpage and Nanuet, NY. She was a passionate advocate for special education and a mentor to countless students.

After retiring, Joey and her husband Ralph moved from Rockland County to North River in the Adirondacks in 2000 to enjoy their shared love of skiing and the outdoors. Their stained‑glass craft business grew into Pennyfield Studio at the Glens Falls Shirt Factory, where they continued creating together.

Joey is survived by her husband of 56 years and BFF, Ralph; her daughters, Catherine Wolverton and Michelle Ruf; her son‑in‑law, Sam Wolverton; and her beloved granddaughters, Evelyn and Coraline Wolverton. And of course, her very special Covid rescue dog, Willow.

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