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Russell Pruitt Obituary

Russell Lee Pruitt, 41, of Topeka, formerly of Holton, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2007 at a Topeka hospital. He was born January 30, 1966 in Mason City, IA, the son of Gary L. and Mary J. Carter Pruitt. Russell graduated from Holton High School in 1984. He had lived in Holton most of his life and lived in Topeka for the past five years. He was self-employed in construction as a home builder and was a member of the Topeka Home Builders Association. He married Karen Hawthorne on August 14, 1997 in Holton, KS. She survives. Other survivors include his parents Gary and Mary Pruitt of Topeka, KS; 3 daughters Maggie, Macy and Mary Pruitt all of the home; a sister Janice Tidwell of Topeka, KS and a grandmother Betty Pruitt of Topeka, KS. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 6:00 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Pruitt Childrens Education Fund sent c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. Online condolences are available at www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Topeka Capital-Journal from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Pruitt

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Jeff and Allison (Jarski) Gerhardt

January 2, 2008

Dear Karen and girls, Gary, Mary, Janice and Lindsey,

We are so sorry for your loss. Russell was a great guy, and he will be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Julie (Justice) Barnickol

December 26, 2007

Karen and Girls,
I am so sorry to hear about Russell. My thoughts and prayers are with during this difficult time.
Take care of yourselves!

John and April Lemon

December 26, 2007

Sorry to hear about your loss, Russell was a childhood friend and many memories still remain.

Anna Lea Roediger

December 20, 2007

I am sorry to hear of the loss you all are experiencing at this time.I pray that our Lord will ease your sorrw and pain. May He also bless you and bring you peace.

Sandra Silver (Campbell)

December 20, 2007

Gary, Mary and Janice, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss..I'll never forget the days I worked at tastee freeze with all of you...my thoughts and prayers are with you always...

Theresa Ehrhart Watkins

December 19, 2007

Dear Pruitt Family,
You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. Keep Russell's memories alive by continuing to talk about him and share pictures of him. You are truly blessed with such wonderful family and friends. God Bless all of you!
Love - Gregg, Theresa, Carli & Patrick Watkins

Dee Smith

December 19, 2007

Gary, Mary, Janice, Lindsey, Karen & Girls
I was shocked to hear the news about Russell. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Let all of your memories help ease the pain in this time of sorrow.

House to Home

December 19, 2007

Karen & Family You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless

Judy Kohler

December 19, 2007

Karen & Family I just learned of your loss. I'm so sorry to hear about Russell. No words can express the feelings you must be going through at this time. Russell was a very wonderful person. Keep your eyes on God for the healing you will need. Russell may be gone but he'll never be forgotten.

Karen Yost (Burget)

December 19, 2007

Gary, Mary, Janice, Karen & girls:
I was so shocked to hear about Russell. Your family was a huge part of my growing up. My first job was working for Gary & Mary at the Tastee Freeze. What a fun job that was. I enjoyed running around with Russell and Janice. It didn't matter which of them I was with I always had fun. He was like a younger brother. Whenever we didn't have anything to do all you had to do was find Russell. He was always going and having fun. We would play cards at his house, go to football games, etc. He was always in good mood and smiling. He was so witty. He had three very pretty little girls and a wonderful wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I can't imagine the pain you are going through. I will miss him a lot.

Linda (Burget) Girardin

December 19, 2007

Dear Janice, Mary, and Gary,
Words can not express how truly sorry I am for your loss. I had so much fun with Russell and your family during the years I worked at the Tastee Freeze with all of you. Russell was so full of life and so much fun to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He will truly be deeply missed. Linda (Burget) Girardin

Ryan Strader Family

December 19, 2007

Karen and family
I am so sorry to hear of Russell's passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Rick & Kathy Homan

December 19, 2007

Gary, Mary, Karen, Janice and families,
Just wanted to let you know we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
during your difficult time. May God Bless you.

Stacie Dupree

December 19, 2007

Mary, Gary, Janice, Karen and family, I was saddened to hear of your loss. I will always remember the fun times with Russell at Tastee Freez and the friendship we had. Russell, Mary and Big Gary were the best to work for!! Much Love and Prayers to you all as you get through this time.
Stacie (Watson) Dupree and Family
JHS class of '90
Wiesbaden Germany

Waylon Smith (DeVaders Pools)

December 18, 2007

I would like to say that dealing with Russell was always a pleasure. He always treated me and my staff with great kindness. Even though I only knew Russell as a customer he always felt like a friend to me. I was very sad to hear the news. His family and friends are suffering a great loss and have all my thoughts and prayers.

John & Debby Hatfield

December 18, 2007

Gary and Mary,

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Please accept our condolences and know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and with Russell's family. It is with knowledge that God will not give us more pain than we can handle but the loss of a child no matter what age, takes that grief to the very edge. John and Debby Hatfield

Gayle Davis

December 18, 2007

Gary and Mary, I am so sorry to read about your incredible loss. I have many memories about babysitting for Russ and Janice. I pray for God's strength for all of you during this difficult time.
Gayle (Ridgway) Davis

BARBARA WAGNER

December 18, 2007

KAREN
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT THIS. IT WAS SUCH A SHOCK. I WILL MISS HIS SMILING FACE AROUND LEWIS TOYOTA. TAKE CARE AND CALL IF YOU NEED ANYTHING. BARB WAGNER

Paula Jantz Sunflower Insurance Group

December 18, 2007

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

April Todack (Hegemann)

December 18, 2007

Gary, Mary, Janice, Lindsey, Karen & Family: I'll never forget the fun times we had at Tastee Freeze. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ruth & Grace Stadel

December 18, 2007

Karen, Girls, Gary & Mary,& Janice
We remember Russell coming into Pizza Plus(Hoyt) and teasing that we didn't know what we were doing. Now that we think about it he might of been on to something.
He will be greatly missed. Our Prayers are with you all.

Tarman Family

December 18, 2007

I am truly saddened to hear about Russell's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!

Frank & Melissa Tecumseh

December 18, 2007

We are deeply saddened by your loss. You're family is in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow.

Annette Hollingdale

December 18, 2007

I am so sorry to hear of Russel's passing. My son Aaron Dreher and I both had to opportunity to work for and with Russell through Gambino's in Topeka. Aaron spoke very highly of him and respected him as an employer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

STEVE & JO INGELS AND FAMILY

December 18, 2007

GARY, MARY AND FAMILY,
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RUSSELL. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS OUR WITH YOU. I REMEMBER HIM WHILE WORKING AT THE THE TASTEE FREEZE, HE WAS ALWAYS SO MUCH FUN AND A GREAT PERSON. TAKE CARE AND WE WILL BE THINKING OF YOUR FAMILY.

Susan Knernschield

December 18, 2007

Karen, Maggie, Macy and Mary...I can only pray for you right now - I have no words except to say that if you need anything, I will be more than willing to help you. Russell was an exceptional person. He will be missed by everybody that knew him. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Ken Kallenbach

December 18, 2007

Dear Mary and Gary, I can't imagine how the loss of your son must feel to you. May you find comfort in your knowledge of his goodness and the joys you shared with him, Your friend Ken

David and Heather Ent

December 18, 2007

Karen & Family,
Sorry to hear about Russell. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Barb Collins

December 18, 2007

Karen & Girls, Gary,Mary & Janice.
I dont know where to begin. Im still in shock with this. Im so sorry for your loss. It will take a long time for you to heal. But just remember he will always be with you in your heart and all the memories and stories you have with him. We will truly miss him. He was a great guy and friend. Gary & Mary we are here for you. You helped us with our loss many years ago so we are here for you guys. Just call. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers for a very long time. He is with God now so take comfort in knowing that. May God be with you also
Roger & Barb Collins
Tanner & Megan Collins
Tonya Collins

December 18, 2007

Karen and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and in our prayers. May God give you and your family strength and courage in this most difficult time.
Chris & Kim (Arnold) Marten

Bob McCulley, Jr.

December 18, 2007

Mary and Gary,

I was shocked to read about your sudden and untimely loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dan and Patty Smith

December 18, 2007

The Pruitt Family,
May God bless you in this time of sorrow. We were sorry to hear about your loss.

Jack and Lanette McKee

December 18, 2007

So sorry to hear of Russell's passing. Russell was a kind and thoughtful man and will be greatly be missed by everyone he touched. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.

Tom & LeAnn Brown

December 18, 2007

Karen & family-
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Russells passing. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God's love and your wonderful family help to get you through this very difficult time.

With deepest sympathies

Rosemary Barnaba(Moody)

December 18, 2007

Mr Gary and Ms Mary,
Heartfelt Condolences and Prayers to ALL of you,especially Russell's Daughters. I can remember working for you at the Tastee Freeze in Holton and Russell working with us. He was always joking around and making us laugh,but also a HARD worker and Respectful. Please know if there is ANYTHING I can do,Mr Gary knows where I work and just get in touch with me,ok? May Russell Rest In Peace and God Bless ALL of You.

Diann & Jay Lutackas

December 18, 2007

Mary, Gary, Janice, Karen & girls,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. I have so many fond memories of Russell during my bookkeeping years. He was quick to make conversation with you and he never knew a stranger. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.

DEBBIE AND SARAH NOLTE

December 17, 2007

GARY,MARY AND KAREN AND FAMILIES
SO SORRY TO READ ABOUT RUSSELL. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS. RUSSELL WILL TRUELY BE MISSED. WE REALLY ENJOYED WORKING WITH HIM AT GAMBINO'S. LET US KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO FOR ANY OF YOU.
LOVE DEBBIE AND SARAH

Joyce Richter

December 17, 2007

What you have once enjoyed you can never lose.. All that we love becomes a part of us.
You are in my Prayers.

Jim Fitzgerald

December 17, 2007

Mary and Gary
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless. Your friends from Strathman Sales.

Michael and Jeanette (Bickford) Christian

December 17, 2007

Dear Gary, Mary and Family:
Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. You raised a wonderful son who spent his life touching the hearts of others. May the love and prayers of family and friends comfort you today and always.

Metzger Family

December 17, 2007

Maggie and Maci,
Tonight at our music program, we heard about your dad. Your dad was a very nice man and it must be very hard to lose him so soon. We are so sorry you are feeling sad.
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Carter, Connor, and Cayden Metzger

Roger and Janette Gill

December 17, 2007

So sorry to hear of your loss. May special memories give you peace.

Charlotte Wilson

December 17, 2007

Mary and Gary, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your son Russell. It would be hard to lose a child...I will pray that God gives you the strength to face this tragedy. And hope your many memories will care you through each day. My love and thoughts will be with you. Char

Kari Bottenberg-Akers

December 17, 2007

Dear Pruitt Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Russell's passing. I can't imagine the pain of your loss. He is such a huge part of my childhood. A very good part!

Frank Audano, Jr.

December 17, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this tough time. Russell was a college buddy and I have fond memories of the time we spent together.

Lisa Rieschick

December 17, 2007

Pruitt family, I am sorry to hear about Russell's passing. I haven't seen Russell since high school. But he was one of a kind! And very unforgettable! He will be missed.

Kathy McNeely

December 17, 2007

Gary, Mary & family

I was saddened to hear of the loss of Russell.I'll never forget the time he fell backwards down the stairs to the basement at the two story house you lived in at Holton when we were in high school. We heard Gary coming down from the bedroom yelling at Russell and knew it was time for us to leave. He always had a quick witt and could make you laugh till your stomach hurt. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kathy (Bruns) McNeely

Doris (Bridegroom) Cochran

December 17, 2007

Mary & Gary Pruitt,
So very sorry to hear of Russell's sudden passing. He was a very special individual and I'll always remember the good times we had at the "Tastee Freeze". I was Talking to my co-worker today, I found out that Deb was a neigbor of Russell's--Deb had nothing but very good things to say about Russell and she was shocked and saddened by the news also.
Always cherish the good times you had with Russell and know that he is in a good place now and pain free. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family in this time of need.

Joe, Kimberly, Sydney, Reece Marney

December 17, 2007

We were shocked and saddened to hear about the tragedy of Russell's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kim Duchesneau and girls

December 17, 2007

Karen & girls, Gary & Mary, and Janice ~

I cannot find the right words to say right now other than...I am deeply sorry for your loss! I think alot of us are still numb/dumbfounded with lots of questions. I can only imagine what you are going thru.
I enjoyed getting to know your wonderful family from working at the bank...Russell was a one-of-a-kind that will truly be missed by all! He will always be with you thru memories and stories...Russell will never be far away! May God bless your family thru this difficult time.

yvonne

December 17, 2007

Dear pruitt family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Always remember the special wonderful times you all had together.
Love, Yvonne Ehrhart

Lori Porubsky

December 17, 2007

Mary,Gary,Janice, Karen and family, I don't have words to express what you are feeling. Russell was a great person he always had a great smile. I remember him at our games the little brother, always trying to get the best of us..He will be remembered by all of us..Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. All our Love, Lori (Alley) and Heath Porubsky

Kermit & Shirley Mick

December 17, 2007

Our sympathy goes out to all of family. Russell was a great guy who we always enjoyed visiting with. Life is a gift that is sometimes taken away to soon.

Dawn and Peter Lindner

December 17, 2007

Dear Karen, I hurt for you and am so sad because I just think of Russell being home the other night, not knowing that he only had a few more days on this earth. I love you and your family and just ask God to watch over you and give you wisdom as to what you need to do. If you need anything. Call on us..Dawn
We were so honored to have known Russell and he was a great guy. Very talented and a gifted builder. If you or your children need anything, please call on us. We love you..

James Urban

December 17, 2007

Dear Pruitt Family
Words cannot express the shock of hearing of Russell passing. As frends and neighbors of the Pruitts when we lived in Topeka. Our girls were best of friends and we will always remember Russell/and the Pruitt family out at the pool and Russell driving the tractor of our neighborhood Harvest. There are no words but only prayers that can be offered to comfort Karen and the girls at this time. Our hearts,thoughts and prayers will be with you for the years to come.

May the peace of our Lord be with you all.

Jim and Lisa Urban and Family

Kellie Long (Long Lighting Studio)

December 17, 2007

Karen and family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Russell was a very kind and giving man. He will be missed dearly.

Michelle (Hubach) Meier

December 17, 2007

Pruitt family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Russell's sudden passing. Memories of him will always be the onery grin and witty responses of an energetic young man. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Jean Powell(Tidwell)

December 17, 2007

Linsey and all of the Pruitt family. I'm so very,very sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayer are with all of you.

Aunt Jeannie

Leslie Hunsicker

December 17, 2007

I cannot express my sorrow... Karen, please know that you and the girls are in my heart and prayers. I will be thinking of you this Christmas season and always.

John & Jo Ann Schiefelbein

December 17, 2007

Karen, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. Russell was a great guy. John truly enjoyed working with him. He will, no doubt, be missed.

God Bless.

Elma Dysart

December 17, 2007

.I was so sorry to learn of Russell's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Diana West-Davis

December 17, 2007

I was shocked to hear of the news when Russel was in the hospital and of his passing. I kept his wife and kids in my thoughts and prayers, as well as his parents and Janice. I know he will be greatly missed by all of his many friends. He was such a sweet and caring person. I hope your memories and stories will help you get through this most difficult time.

Lisa Strydom

December 17, 2007

Janice and Lindsey, Gary and Mary and family of Russell,
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you all at this time of the year. I am saddened by the loss of Russell. It was just about a month ago I saw him out for dinner with his wife and another couple here in Topeka.

May your memories carry you through. Thinking of you at this time. Love to you all.
Lisa Strawn Strydom,
class of '81 HHS

The Drvol Family

December 17, 2007

Our family puts you and the girls in our thoughts. Russell was a great man and we will miss him dearly.

Tim Wilson

December 17, 2007

My heart goes out to the immediate and extended families of Russell. Life is such a fragile and precious gift that all to often is taken away too soon. God Bless.

Banks Family

December 17, 2007

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Leslie Hallgren

December 17, 2007

To the Pruitt Family,
I was shocked and saddened of the news of Russell passing. He was a great guy with a witty sense of humor. He will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Leslie Hallgren (UBC)

Michelle McClintock

December 17, 2007

Karen and family-
I am at a loss for words. My sympathies just don't seem suffice. Russell was a good man, kind, and a great giver to society and family. He will be missed. I am sorry.

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