OBITUARY

Betty Marie Pruitt of St. Clair, MO departed this life in Washington, MO on Thursday, November 20, 2025, having reached the age of eighty years, six months and sixteen days. Betty was born in Richwoods, MO on May 4, 1945, daughter of Joseph Alexander Courtaway and Luly Minnie Courtaway nee Courtoise. On October 16, 1965 she was united in marriage to Rev. John Harrison Pruitt and four children came to bless this union.

Betty is survived by her husband, Rev. John Pruitt of St. Clair, MO; by her children, Alverta Elliott and husband, Lynn, of St. Clair, MO, Carol Berger and husband, Mark, of Union, MO, John Edward Pruitt and significant other, Tammy Huffstedler, of St. Clair, MO and Steven Pruitt and wife, Jill, of Union, MO; by her brother, Arthur Courtaway and wife, Sharon, of Potosi, MO; by her brothers-in-law, Jim Pruitt of Cadet, MO and Daniel Pruitt of Oxford, AR; by ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Luly Courtaway; by two brothers, John Thurman and Joseph Courtaway; and by her sisters, Bernice Boyer, Erma Strickler, Grace Parks and Carol Drewel.

Betty was a Christian of the Pentecostal faith and member of Way of Life Tabernacle in Richwoods, MO, where she was head of the church organization board, as well as playing the piano, guitar, accordion and most other various instruments. She also enjoyed, preaching, studying her bible and sharing her faith whenever she could. During her working career she was employed as an assembly line worker for Magnet, Hazel and Quick Point, just to name a few, and by various other factories in the surrounding area. Betty loved to cook and was especially known for her potato salad. She enjoyed celebrating the Christman season, listening to gospel music and watching sermons on television. Betty also enjoyed doing circle word puzzles, word searches, looking through magazines and taking care of her pet parakeets. What meant most to her was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created will be forever cherished by them all.

A loving and devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, great and great-great-aunt, cousin and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Donna Gamble officiating. Interment will be in Midlawn Memorial Gardens in Union, MO. Memorials may be made to the family.