Obituary: Patricia Pruitt

Pruitt was born on August 12, 1941, in Clovis, NM. "Pat" Pruitt was the youngest of five children to Van and Celeste (Buttram) McCutchen. She passed away on January 18, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette, CO after a brave battle with cancer, showing remarkable strength and courage throughout.

Pat grew up on a wheat farm and attended schools in Forrest and Melrose, NM, where she began a life-long passion for sports while playing basketball, softball, and volleyball during her school years. After high school, she married Jerry Pruitt in 1959. The family moved to Moab, UT in 1968.

Pat worked for over 20 years as a Title I educator at Helen M Knight and Red Rock Elementary schools where she impacted countless students' lives. She was also a friendly face for many years in the City Market bakery. She attracted many friends with her warm and disarming personality, kindness, and good sense of humor.

Pat was an avid sports competitor and fan. She enjoyed competing in Moab sports leagues, particularly as a member of the Moab Moonshiners softball team. She loved the Atlanta Braves and eagerly traveled with her best friend to stadiums around the country to see them play. She instilled in her children and grandchildren her passion for sport and adventure. Pat always put others' needs before her own, most especially those of her children. Above all, she showed everyone what it is to be resilient, selfless, compassionate, and loving.

Pat is survived by sons, Tom (Jeanne), Billy (Ellen), Jerry; and sister, VanDean; grandchildren: Cameron (Jen), Chase and Rylee; great-grandchildren, and devoted friend and companion, Phyllis. Preceding Pat in death are her parents, Van, and Celeste; siblings, Marvin, Joe Mack, and Billie; and grandson, Christopher.