“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” – Proverbs 31:30
Ruth Louise (Slater) Pruett was charming, beautiful, and truly worthy of praise.
Born December 11, 1918, the daughter of Jessie Slater and Susie (Albaugh) Slater in Mitchell Indiana. She grew up with her sister, Mary, attending Mitchell Public Schools, and graduated in 1937. After high school she attended Indianapolis City Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1940 and beginning her career as a Registered Nurse.
On September 12, 1942, she married Clarence Eugene Pruett. While Gene served in the Pacific Theater during WWII, Ruth served her county and local community as a registered nurse. For 66 years she shared life’s ups and downs with Gene, and in time would become an important part of various ministries.
After WWII they worked together to build their community and share their faith. In 1953, Ruth helped with the establishment of a new church in Mitchell that would become Tulip Street Christian Church. As an accomplished seamstress, Ruth made outfits for some and repairs for countless others. As a fantastic cook, she prepared many a meal for families and individuals in need. Her cherry pie was legendary!
She worked at Dunn Memorial Hospital for the majority of her career and retired from Hoosier Uplands. She also worked with her husband, showing compassion to those in need and making a difference in her community. Ruth was also an accomplished artist creating many beautiful paintings.
In 2008 her beloved Gene preceded her in death. She was also preceded by her parents and sister, Mary (Slater) Kern. On Monday, May 17, having lived 102 plus years, surviving the great depression, five wars, and two pandemics, Ruth closed her eyes and went home to be with the lover of her soul and the love of her life.
She is survived by her nieces Mary Kern, Debbie Watterson, Susan Mayden, and Karen Urig; nephew, Steven Covert; grand nephews Spencer Lujan and Jordan Kern; and special family, Theresa Thayer and Scott, Libby, Isaac, and Michael Chastain.
Ruth left this world rich in friends and admirers and praised by countless souls lucky enough to be invited into her home and heart. She truly was a godly woman and worthy of praise.
Her funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 22, in the Memorial Chapel of Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Pastor Scott Chastain, Brother Darrin Chastain, and Brother Phil McDonald officiating. Her burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made in Ruth’s memory to the White River Humane Society.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com.
