Isabel J. Rifenburg

Isabel M. Jester Rifenburg, 81, passed away peacefully on September 9, in Georgetown, Delaware. Her life was full of devotion to her family, the community, and her creative passion.

Isabel dedicated her professional life to public service, retiring from the State of Delaware- Social Services. Her dedication to helping others extended far beyond her work and into every aspect of her life.

A gifted artisan, Isabel owned and operated a ceramic business and was an avid quilter whose creativity and leadership left a lasting impression. She was an active member of the Delmarvous Quilters, served as past president and treasurer along with Chairing the Comfort Quilt project, another one of her passions was being in the Seaside Appliquers. Her passion for history led her to serve as treasurer of the Down State Delaware Genealogical Society. She was a member of McColley’s Chapel United Methodist Church and Ellendale United Methodist Church.

Her legacy of kindness and love will live on through her surviving family: her children, Karen Murphy (Mike), Sharon Pusey (Wayne), George Jester Jr. (Evelyn), and Norman Jester; Grandchildren, Krystal Murphy, Aimee Jester, Wade Pusey (Allison), Shannon Bennett (Cody), and Hailey Jester (Bryce); Great-Grandchildren, Jasmine (Zack), Dylan, Madison, Taylor, Parker Long, and Ava Pusey; and a Great-Great-Grandchild, Isabel Harvey.

She is lovingly remembered by her Sister, Virginia Short; Brother-in-Law, Dennis Jester; and Sister–in-law, Janet Ware; along with many nieces and nephews including Isabel’s friends who were touched by her warmth.

Isabel was preceded in death by her first husband, George Jester Sr.; her previous husband, Frank Rifenburg Sr.; her parents, Melvin Sr. and Virginia Ware; and her brother, Melvin Ware Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025 at Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market Street, Georgetown, DE 19947. Visitation will begin at 10AM, with a service following at 11AM. Interment to follow at Milford Community Cemetery in Milford, DE 19963. After services, refreshments are going to be at the Georgetown Fire Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family is planting a tree and a butterfly bush in loving memory of Isabel.

Online condolences and memories can be shared to the family by visiting: www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com