Donna Maria Pruss

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother

Donna passed away peacefully on January 5th, after enduring the effects of dementia for several years. She was born February 25, 1930 in Tacoma, WA. Donna was a 1953 graduate of Central Washington University with a BA degree in Education, and taught Home Economics in the Highline School District from 1954 to 1960. She married James E. “Jim” Pruss in 1955 and raised her family in Bellevue, WA. They were married for 58 years until Jim’s passing in 2013.

Donna was an active participant with her Eastside-based home economics club, a member of Glendale Golf and Country Club, a patron of the 5th Avenue Theater for 30 years, and volunteered her time at local voting precincts. She also assisted in running Jim’s rental car & truck business in the 1970s-80s. Donna enjoyed traveling, highlighted by overseas trips to Italy and England. She meticulously cultivated her gardens, which were always a beautiful sight for outdoor dinners and barbecues.

Donna’s greatest pleasure was entertaining family and friends, which allowed her to display her home design and culinary skills. The New Year’s Day parties she and Jim hosted were a highlight of the holiday season.

Donna is survived by children Joe (Stacey) Pruss of Redmond, WA, and Pam Moffat of Sammamish, WA, and four grandchildren: Diana & Daniel Pruss, Michael and David Moffat. Preceded in death by brothers Anthony (Babe) and James Pantley, and sister Gloria Sheard. Also preceded in death by son-in-law Craig Moffat.

In addition to being a caring wife, mother, and grandmother, Donna had an impeccable sense of style, knew how to make others feel welcome in her home, and never let her family forget her Italian heritage & values.

A private memorial service will be held. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund, UW Medicine Memory & Brain Wellness Center (address: UW Medicine Advancement, c/o Gift Processing, Box 358045 Seattle, WA 98195-8045) or http://depts.washington.edu/mbwc/be-involved/make-a-gift