Louise Rhodes Pruitt – Our darling mother and Nana passed away at the age of 99 on March 25, 2022, in Delta Utah, surrounded by family. Louise was born on March 15, 1923 in Paoli, Georgia to Ola Lee Black and Colonel Leonard Rhodes. She spent a wonderful childhood in rural Georgia surrounded by her nine siblings. She enjoyed math and earned top marks in algebra. As a teenager, before the outbreak of WWII, she moved with her family to North Carolina. She worked various jobs in retail, bookkeeping, and accounting. After the war, she married her childhood friend John Dallas Pruitt in August of 1946. Together they chose to continue with his career in the Navy. This military life led them to homes in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Hawaii, Washington DC, Rhode Island, Illinois, California, Maryland, and Utah. She worked hard to make each of these homes lovely and welcoming. Her fine taste in home design was only exceeded by the warmth and love that filled each of these homes.
During their time in Virginia, Louise made a decision that would change the trajectory of her life and that of all her posterity. Louise and Dallas were very concerned with finding the right place to worship the Lord. Missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints knocked on her door and she asked them to come and teach her family. Today her 111 descendants call her blessed for her courage in that mighty decision. Louise served faithfully in many church and community positions throughout the country. Louise enjoyed every opportunity to teach and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
After retirement from the Navy in 1979, she and Dallas moved to Utah to retire near their children, many of whom were attending BYU. They served as temple workers in the Provo and St. George temples. This service ended when she was seriously injured in a car accident that took her husband’s life. Louise would recover and continue to serve and bless the lives of her family members for an additional 32 years.
Louise was legendary for her cooking. Cooking was a hobby that she had elevated to perfection through acquiring new techniques in each region she lived in. Her Pecan Pie and German Chocolate Cake were highly acclaimed, but all of her holiday meals were show stoppers. She added a fusion of southern techniques into the most classic flavors and dishes. No one ever wanted to miss a meal at Nana’s house.
Her signature personality trait was her loving kindness. She developed these skills over her lifetime as she strived to follow the example of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was genuine and personal. Even a brief meeting could have a profound effect on people; waiters, nurses, neighbors, and even people in the grocery line. Whether in the refined circles of naval officers, or the smallest farm communities of Utah, individuals had her complete attention and focus. She could easily identify something to love about everyone and left them feeling understood and valued. This trait meant Nana’s home was a favorite spot for visits and lifted spirits of not only family but all who knew her.
Louise is survived by her five children: John Pruitt (Danette), Chere Ruiz (Jese), Robin Nickerson (Tim), Mike Pruitt (Roxanne), Bill Pruitt (Alison), 40 grandchildren, and 62 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Dallas Pruitt; parents, all her siblings and siblings-in-law; her daughter-in-law, Margaret; and her grandson, Mason.
The Pruitt family would like to thank the Millard Care and Rehabilitation Center employees for their diligent care and kindness over the last few years of her life. Also for the many healthcare providers and friends who have extended thoughtful service.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 1, at 10:30 am, at the Leamington LDS Chapel, 90 South Center Street. A Viewing will be held at the Leamington Chapel, 9:30-10:10 am, prior to the service. Friends unable to attend in person are invited to view the recorded video of the Service. The link to the service will be posted with her obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com by Friday evening. Internment will follow at 1:30 pm in the Provo City Cemetery.