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Paul F. Pruitt

1922 - 2018

BORN

1922

DIED

2018

Paul Pruitt Obituary

Paul F. Pruitt

Paul F. Pruitt, minister, legislator, and devoted husband of Mary Margaret died on July 2, 2018.

Paul was born February 3, 1922, in Shelton, Nebraska. He grew up in Nebraska, Idaho, and Washington and graduated from Kirkland High school, the College of Puget Sound, and Yale Divinity School. He worked for many years as an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ.

Paul was active in the Tacoma area civil rights movement in the 1960's, and was one of the initiators of the Seattle food bank programs. He served for many years on the King County Board of Ethics. He was active in the Church Council of Greater Seattle, Washington Assoc. of Churches, Health Care For All-Washington Board, and Fellowship of Reconciliation. He was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives from the 34th Legislative District, serving from 1977-85.

Paul is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Margaret (Dunlap) Pruitt, and a wealth of family members: Janis and Bruce Pruitt Hamm (Robin and Kevin Hodges; Liam, Sienna), (Kaeley), Cynthia Pruitt and Pat Dickinson (Daniel and Sarah Davidson; Spencer, Avery), (Kristi Randall Scheving and Steve Scheving; Olivia, Rayne, Oshen, Stefan, Veralynn, Dexter), Kathy Pruitt and Mark Collins (Jay), Gail Pruitt and Mark Cherniack, and Nana Mensah and Afia Frimpong (and their children).

Services are scheduled for July 22, 2018. Please sign Paul's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.

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

Published by The Seattle Times on Jul. 8, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Pruitt

Sponsored by The Family.

23 Entries

cathy heath

September 5, 2020

I grew up in highpoint in the late 60's and 70's. Paul was a great friend to my dad and had done alot to help our family and others. I remember him marrying my parents. Paul and his wife were very accepting of others no matter their walk in life. I last saw Paul in late 90's to let him know that I was in graduate school and the death of my father Bob Heath. Ever grateful for help, support and acceptance you and mrs. pruitt have given. I found out recently of his passing of a great man.
Cathy Heath

June 30, 2019

Death is never easy to cope with, may you fine comfort in God's word at Isaiah 57:18

Nancy

June 29, 2019

I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Pruitt is missed. May the God of peace.(2Thess. 3:16) be with your family as you remember your loved
one today and every day. Please take care.

Robin and Ben Lesh

July 22, 2018

Our deepest condolences on the loss of such a wonderful man, husband, father, and advocate for so many. Our hearts are comforted by the love, justice, and compassion Paul gave to this world, and the amazing family who love him dearly. He was a beacon of hope and wisdom for us all.
Paul officiated our wedding ceremony 20 years ago, and throughout our marriage, we often remember his words and a wonderful little song that he and dear Mary Margaret sang to us. We are so thankful for their presence in our lives since then and in the many years before, and know his spirit and work will live on in the many people he inspired.

Darrol Haug

July 21, 2018

I first met Paul Pruitt when I was 5 years old. That was 70 years ago in Anacortes. He was a young pastor of the local Congregational Church. I had the best attendance in Sunday School and won a small basket ball as the reward. I was lying on the couch after Christmas recuperating from Chicken Pox when Paul showed up to deliver my reward.

In later years Paul served in Everett and when my Dad died when I was 19. Paul officiated at the funeral. My Dad was not a church goer, but Pauls comments summarizing his life surely impressed God and I know help get the enough punches in the card to get him into heaven.

About 10 years later Paul officiated at my Moms service and his words provided comfort for all.
Hundreds and perhaps thousands of people can share similar experiences. I did not see or visit with Paul since those encounters but truly wish I could have told him how meaningful his remarks we to our family.

Alice Woldt

July 19, 2018

We have lost a tireless advocate for peace and justice. A more faithful, trusted and spirit filled public and Christian leader would be hard to find. Dedicated to inclusivity and equality, especially in healthcare, he will be remembered for his service to the community and to all of us who will miss him. My love to Mary Margaret and the Pruitt family in this time of remembering Paul's life of goodness and service.

Shulamit Decktor

July 16, 2018

I have known Paul and Mary Margaret as elders and leaders of Western Washington Fellowship of Reconciliation, the very best of elders and leaders, wisely kind and thoughtful and immensely committed and supportive.

I always thought that Paul was a darling man, and that he and Mary Margaret were a beautiful couple. It was a joy some years back to see their three-generational family (then) so active at Seabeck. We were all the better for their being there.

Wishing long life to Mary Margaret and family. My heartfelt condolences to you.

Marcia Mullins

July 16, 2018

Paul was an inspiration to me and was the catalyst for my becoming active in WWFOR. For that, and so very many other reasons, I am grateful to have known him, to have learned from him, to have shared humor with him and to have witnessed his impossibly constant good humor.

Jill Morris

July 13, 2018

In loving memory of a wonderful person.

Ruth Yarrow

July 13, 2018

I am grateful to have known Paul and his deep faith, wisdom and humor.

Marge Ewings

July 11, 2018

Dear Mary Margaret and Family,
Sending our deepest condolences, love and hugs,

Marge Ewings and Family

Betsy Bell

July 11, 2018

Dear Mary Margaret and the entire family, I and much of Seattle has lost a dedicated social justice leader in Paul Pruitt. I will always remember him as a cheerful, forward spirited man of hope. A life well lived is a legacy for all. He will be missed. May you find solice in the goodness that lives on in each person who knew him. In deep sympathy for your loss.

Jane Emerson

July 11, 2018

Mrs. Pruitt, Janis, Cynthia, Kathy, and Gail ... how fortunate for you to have had your husband/father in your lives for so many wonderful years! I have so many found memories with the Pruitts and cherish those days. I'm thankful that Mary Lou and I got to visit with Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt a few years ago. Sending each of you a hug.

Mary Olney-Loyd

July 10, 2018

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you Mary Margaret and your family. Paul was a steady fellow who kept on learning and going to seminars. I love and respect both of you. Thank you for your many kindnesses and your beautiful ministry together! May God's Peace surround you!

Sally Mackey

July 9, 2018

Mary Margaret, what a great couple you were! He busy in the pulpit and legislature and you in ministry to refugees! With love and blessing,

David Green

July 9, 2018

As a young boy growing up in High point, Rev Pruitt was one of the men i most admired. i can't remember him ever not helping any of the families in their time of need. As i grew and did my own thing when we would see each other he never had a problem remembering my name or some of the things we did. Rev. Pruitt for 15-20 years of my life you were a very big inspiration as was your family, rest peacefully and know that you are very much Loved by many.

Janis Pruitt-Hamm

July 9, 2018

He was my wonderful, beloved dad!! The memorial is July 22nd at Fauntleroy UCC Church (in West Seattle) at 2pm. All are welcome. Rather than flowers, Dad would appreciate donations to Fauntleroy UCC Church, Health Care for All, or The Fellowship of Reconciliation (MYPF youth program).

Gail Chism

July 9, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Was Mr. Pruitt was a Pastor at Lowell Community Church (Lowell Wa, now in Everett, Wa) In Our book "150 Years Of Lowell History," ( Lowell Church chapter), it lists a Paul Pruitt as Pastor from Oct, 1956 to June, 1958. There also was a Robert Pruitt as Pastor from Oct. 1956 to March 1960. I remember an elderly Pruitt Giving the benediction in the 1980s. If so, I would love to make contact with family. Would love to & grateful for more information on him/them. ie pictures, memories, stories. Again, sorry for your loss.

Judy Jacobson

July 8, 2018

I am sending my prayers to Mary Margaret and family. It has certainly been an honor knowing Paul. He encouraged me to stand up for my beliefs. His honesty and integrity were demonstrated by the way he led his life.

Ralph Munro

July 8, 2018

Paul was a fabulous man. He was a Democrat leader and committee chairman and I was a newly elected Republican Secretary of State. Together we passed scores of pieces of progressive legislation to bring Washington into the modern election world. I cannot speak highly enough about Paul. I will forever be indebted to him for his kindness, friendship and hard work. If every legislator was like Paul, our state would be a pretty wonderful place. A true gentleman.

Where and when will services be held?

Patrick Noonan

July 8, 2018

I frequently talked with Paul and Mary Margaret in our joint efforts for Healthcare for All - Washington. He was a treasure of information, warmth and graciousness. I remember a superb listener who would hear my entire point before gently offering advice. He was a model of political activeness and good manners. He espoused the true meaning of Christianity.

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