Danilin Ruff Pfoutz “Dani” Shoemaker, 76, of Phoenix, AZ died Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Phoenix.
Dani was born April 26, 1945, in Columbus, Ohio to Daniel Ruff and Mary Geneva Skinner Pfoutz, both of whom preceded her in death. Born dangerously premature, her grandfather famously declared, “She’s a fighter!”—a trait that defined her life.
She was a mother, daughter, wife, partner, and a fiercely independent spirit. She was also a cowgirl, horse trainer, farmer, quilter, seamstress, teacher, student, artist, and a master propagator of Christmas cactus. A fiery redhead and daydreamer, Dani was the pied piper of dogs and a lifelong lover of animals and nature.
Dani challenged convention and lived with creative determination in a world shaped by outdated expectations. While raising children at a young age, she earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Resourceful and imaginative, she sewed clothes, made quilts and curtains, grew gardens, and crafted Christmas ornaments from popcorn, cranberries, and egg cartons.
She nurtured not only her family, but everything she touched—houseplants grown from clippings, dogs she adored, and the family history she preserved through her passion for genealogy. Her children were raised with lessons in art, music, swimming, 4-H, and horseback riding—always encouraged to explore, learn, and grow.
Though Dani’s physical presence is gone, her legacy of creativity, resilience, and love continues in the lives of all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her son, Daniel Ruff Kline; daughter, Robyn Loretta Kline Interpreter and grandson, Roan Robert Interpreter.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the New Holland Cemetery. Burial will be under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.
www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com
