SCHENEVUS – Ralphine Isabelle Risse, age 87,
passed away peacefully Sunday night, December 21, 2025. For over two decades
she lived in Schenevus.
Ralphine was born June 11, 1938, and
raised in Yonkers, a daughter of Philip and Isabelle (Lane) Steitz.
She later moved to Putnam Valley where she
raised her three children and built a life centered on family, faith, and
service. She worked as a bus driver for the Putnam Valley School District, a
role that reflected her steady presence and care for others.
An Episcopalian, Ralphine was deeply
devoted to her faith and lovingly taught Sunday School at the Church of the
Holy Spirit in Schenevus and later in life taught Head Start, sharing her
kindness and values with generations of children. Known for her warmth and
welcoming spirit, she introduced herself simply as “Grandma” – a title she
lived up to fully, extending her love far beyond her immediate family.
She was predeceased by her parents,
Isabelle and Philip Steitz; her brother, Philip Steitz, and her first grandson,
Skyler C. Levesque, who died August 30, 2016.
Ralphine is survived by her sons, Frank
Risse and Robert Risse; her daughter, Kathleen; her granddaughter, Veronica
Levesque; her grandson Lucas Risse; great grandchildren Hunter and Michaela
Johnson; and many others who proudly and lovingly called her Grandma.
Her legacy of love, generosity, and faith
will be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A memorial service was offered at 10 a.m. Saturday
January 3, 2026, 2025 at The Church of
the Holy Spirit, 5 Arch Street, Schenevus, with Mother Nancy Truscott,
Priest-in-Charge, officiating.
