Marlene Pruitt

Honey Marlene Pruitt, affectionately known by all as Marlene, passed away at her residence surrounded by her loved ones at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the age of 73.

She was born on March 1, 1949 in Peru, Indiana.  Marlene was one of eight children born to Phyllis June (Eberly) Books and Ervin Eli Books.  She was a 1966 graduate of North Miami High School.  At the young age of 18, she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Loren Monroe Pruitt, which everyone knew him as Butch.  They were married on May 8, 1967, and they were blessed with 55 years of marriage together before Marlene passed away. 

Marlene had a heart for service and cared for many people over the years.  She worked as a care giver for Forte Residential and Home Health Care Services. In the past she had worked for a number of years at Hart Schaffner Marx in Rochester, Indiana.  Her full-time real job was simply being Mom, and Marlene loved caring for her family.  She always enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially going on their many family camping trips.  She loved gardening, reading western books and of course she LOVED watching all kinds of western movies.  Marlene especially had a soft spot for her Elvis Presley.  Marlene was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who will be dearly missed by all.

She leaves behind her husband, Loren “Butch” Pruitt (Warsaw, IN); two sons, Loren (Belinda) Pruitt, Jr. (Warsaw, IN); Osta (Jeri) Pruitt (Warsaw, IN); two daughters, Penny Pruitt (Syracuse, IN); and Evelyn Jones (Rochester, IN).  Also surviving are ten grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Sandra (Donnie) Bromley (Huntington, IN); Roxanna (Paul) Carter (Peru, IN); Christina Drudge (Florida); and Juneattea (Rick) May (Rochester, IN).  She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and two sisters.

Marlene’s life will be celebrated with a service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2023 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana and officiated by Pastor Michael Young.  A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.  Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 10:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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