Ilse M. (Gehentges) Ruckert

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt andcherished friend to many, Ilse Ruckert on Tuesday January 20, 2026. Her wonderful life began in March 1932 in New York City.

She was funny, wise and a deeply compassionate person, who always looked for the best in people. Shecared about others more than herself and never hesitated to help anyone who was in need. The love and devotion she had for her family was at her coreand endless.

Ilse spent the majority of her professional career in the IBM Corporation, serving most of that time as a librarian in the law library and then the marketing library. She retired from IBM after more than 35 years of service. 

She was an avid reader, enjoyed singing and was always ready for a ride through upstate New York. Throughout her life, Ilse was very interested in horticulture and gardening. That was her life’s passion, and the extraordinary gardens she developed with her husband of more than 75 years at their home in Armonk, NY, reflected that passion and energy. 

Ilse will be greatly missed and forever remembered by her husband Ed Ruckert, her daughters Linda Schaeffner and partner Ed Sordellini, Karen Ruckert, her son Edward Ruckert and daughter-in-law Jytte Ruckert, her grandchildren Katherine Ruckert, Christopher Ruckert, and his wife Erika Solem-Ruckert, her late sister Mary Ellen, many extended family members and dear friends.

The family intends a private celebration of life in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, people can contribute to their favorite charity in her honor.

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To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ilse M. (Gehentges) Ruckert, please visit our floral store.