Dorothy Elinore Pruitt

The family of Dorothy Elinore (Stephens) Pruitt is sad to announce that she went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 22, 2020. Born on August 7, 1930 in Lebanon, Missouri, to Charles and Anna Stephens at the beginning of the Great Depression. Her family had little in terms of earthly wealth, but she was raised with music, a love of the Lord and understanding the value of hard work, she would tell you she was, in fact, rich indeed.

Marking what would be her favorite holiday season each year, Dorothy married William Perry Pruitt, Jr. (Bill) the day after Christmas, 1949. She moved with him to California and was a partner with Bill as he worked to farm oranges and own a series of gas stations in the valley. But her greatest joy was her role of mom to children Larry and Dianne. She was a joyful chauffeur, wonderful cook, and the ultimate cheerleader, watching Larry play on the football field and happily sipping hot chocolate by the fire in the lodge while Larry, Dianne and Bill skied the slopes. Dorothy and Dianne loved cooking together, along with daughter-in-law, Karla and later, her grandchildren.

Dorothy also found great fulfillment in years of service in church. She taught a Sunday School class for children with special needs in Woodlake, served for decades in the AWANA program at Faith Baptist Church in Visalia, and faithfully attended church each Sunday, always enjoying singing the old hymns of faith and hearing God’s word.

As life marched on, her family expanded in the form of five grandkids, and she treasured time with them, making travel with each a priority.

It is with a mix of sadness and great joy that Dorothy’s family knows she celebrated this Christmas with her Savior, singing alongside her beloved Bill in glory.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Bill; parents Charles and Anna and siblings Betsy Stephens, Bernice Bingaman and George Stephens. She is survived by children Larry Pruitt and his wife Karla; Dianne Hagar and her husband Gary; grandchildren Bethany and Eric Pruitt, Abbey Hagar, Stefanie Muchow (Scott), Leslie Small (Adam). And her newest joys, great-granddaughters Halle Elizabeth Small and Lily Catherine Muchow.

The family will be holding a private family service to promote safety during this surge in the pandemic.

The family requests donations in lieu of flowers be made to honor Dorothy at the Visalia Rescue Mission by following the link below:

https://vrmhope.kindful.com/?campaign=1102697.