Maxine Louise Pruitt

PRUITT, MAXINE LOUISE Maxine Louise Pruitt passed away on October 28, 2014, in Seward, Alaska at the age of 91. She was at her home in Seward, Alaska with her daughter, Dixie, and dog, Poppy, by her side. Mickey passed of natural causes. Mickey is survived by her daughter – Dixie Dianne Bencardino and husband Louis Bencardino from Seward, Alaska; son – James T. Pruitt and partner Diane Harmon from Seward, Alaska; son – Olin P. Pruitt and wife Dena Pruitt from Palmer Lake, Colorado; granddaughter, Deborah L. Spence from Eagle River, Alaska; granddaughter, Tracie Williams and husband Dave Williams from Seward, Alaska; grandson, Craig T. Pruitt from Bellingham, Washington; grandson, Benjamin Pruitt, San Francisco, California; great-granddaughter – Candace D. Matranga, Saugus, California; great- granddaughter – Amber O’Brikis-Barney and husband Jeffrey Barney, Anchorage, Alaska; great-grandson – Brandon O’Brikis, Anchorage, Alaska; great-grandson – Brennan Pruitt, Anchorage, Alaska; great-granddaughter – River Pruitt, Bellingham, Washington; great-granddaughter – Andreanna Rochelle Pruitt, Anchorage, Alaska; great-grandson – Ryan Pruitt, Anchorage, Alaska; great-great granddaughter – Dryden A. Barney, Anchorage, Alaska She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Pruitt; father, Olin P. Burnham; mother, Hattie Hope Burnham; sister, Lela Campbell; sister, Ellen B. DeWitt; grandson, Shawn Pruitt; grandson, Todd Pruitt; granddaughter, Dorene Spence-Gilbertson; niece, Sheila King. Would family want flowers at service? – Yes, Mickey loved Yellow Flowers. Maxine (Mickey – she prefers to be referred to as Mickey) – lived in Altus, Oklahoma, and Santa Monica, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico (over 45 years) and Seward, Alaska (her last 10 years). She was co-owner of Pied Piper Exterminators in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband William Pruitt. Mickey ran the office, scheduled all the appointments, was the bookkeeper and made sure all ran smoothly. Bill and Mickey retired and sold the business after many successful years. Bill and Mickey were entrepreneurs and once owned a Bee Farm in Albuquerque and had rental properties. When they lived in California Mickey worked for McDonnell-Douglas as a file clerk. She was very proud of her work at McDonnel-Douglas. Baptized a Baptist, Mickey had a lifelong love of Christ and held him always in her heart. As a member of the Albuquerque Division of the General Federation of Women’s Club known as “Progress Women’s Club,” Mickey was at times the President, Vice President and Secretary of the organization. Progress Club was involved in many charitable acts throughout Albuquerque. Mickey was accomplished at knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and cross stitch. She often embellished the family linens with her beautiful stitching. She taught her Granddaughter, Deborah all of these skills which was the start of Deborah’s love of art and crafting. Mickey’s son Jim says… “Not many days had gone by throughout my youth, and now in my later years, that I haven't had thoughts of my Mom.” Likewise, Mom’s daily thoughts always included her family. Her encouragement gave us courage, her never-ending support gave us confidence and determination, and her love, caring and compassion warmed our hearts and brightened our days. We may have heard the saying “they are not gone they are just away” well Mom may be just away but she has left us with her never-ending love, caring and lasting memories. This is the catalyst that bonds our family together and will continue to hold our love for each other forever. Thank you Mom… now “wrap the drapery of your couch about you and lie down to pleasant dreams.” Your Guardian Angels await you.” Mickey’s son, Olin, remembers that when he and his Dad would go fishing at the crack of dawn, “Mom” would have a cooler ready for them with fried chicken, corn bread, potato salad, soft drinks and beer for Dad. A feast for fishing. This is just one example of how she always thought of her family and made each moment that much more special. Olin wrote, “There is no greater love than a true mothers love. Before we could say “help,” our mothers hand was there to pull us up, love us and encourage us to move forward. When mom was there we knew everything was going to be OK and it always was. Mom would always say "I love you forever and always", she would also say "Bye for now." Bye for now Mom, you will be in our hearts forever and always!” Mickey’s daughter, Dixie Dianne always said, “I have had the most wonderful mother my whole life. She was always there, with her love and support and understanding. I had no idea of everything she did for her family every day until I had my own family and I realized that those things don’t just appear and happen… my Mom made them happen, she did everything for all of us and never asked for anything in return. I am 72 years old and I had the best Mom in the world my whole life… There are no words of thanks that can touch how grateful I am Mom for the love you gave me. Mickey’s granddaughter, Deborah writes… One of the greatest gifts a person can receive is unconditional love and this is what I received from my Grandma Mickey, every day of my life. When someone you love has faith in you, believes in you, tells you they are proud of you… all things seem possible. Grandma Mickey taught me to be kind and loving, to cherish family, and taught me through example, strength, compassion, love, and how to do many things like crochet, work in an office, even ride a horse. She made me feel beautiful inside and out. I often felt I had two mothers, for that is the powerful love that Grandma Mickey gave me… that of a mother’s. But she was more than a mother… she was my Grandma. Thank you so much Grandma, for everything… and most of all, for your perfect love. Forever and Always, Your Deborah. Services will be held on November 12, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Maxine Louise Pruitt

May 22, 1923 - October 28, 2014