Ivy S. Sturm, age 75, passed away peacefully in the care of the Mountain City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hazel Township.

Born in Meshoppen on May 29, 1950, Ivy was a cherished daughter of the late Wallace Sturm and Betty Turrell. She spent her childhood in Chillicothe, Illinois, where she attended elementary school and enjoyed the experiences of farm life. In her teenage years, the family returned to their original area, where Ivy attended Tunkhannock High School. Furthering her education, Ivy enrolled at the Claremont Secretarial School, once located in the iconic Chrysler Building in New York City, with a focus on becoming a legal secretary.

Ivy spent several years working as a legal secretary for the law offices of Hourigan Kluger Spore and Quinn in Wilkes-Barre. She was also an active member of the Four Quarters Interfaith Sanctuary in Artemas, Pennsylvania, where she contributed her time and skills in the administrative office and kitchen for many years.

Known for her free spirit and gentle soul, Ivy had a deep connection to nature and found peace in the quiet beauty of the woods. Before starting her family, she embraced adventure– traveling, scuba diving and exploring in her Jeep or Mustang. She was a very creative person who found joy crocheting, candle-making, baking and crafting. Above all, Ivy was a devoted mother and a remarkable grandmother, whose presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ivy was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Betty; her sister, Elsie Norton; and her brother, Eric Sturm.

Ivy’s memory is carried on by her children: son Robert Fugate Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Drums; son Donald Fugate and his wife Lisa of Plains; daughter Erica Kenzakoski of Drums; and son Nathan Lyman and his wife Stephanie of Wilkes-Barre. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Robie and Ryan Fugate, Samantha and Donald Fugate, Tabitha and Gavin Kenzakoski, and Gideon and Amelia Lyman. Additionally, she is survived by her brother, Frank and Donna Sturm of Illinois.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Wednesday, March 25, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., located at 55 Stark Street, Plains.