Virginia “Ginny” Louise Pruett, 96, died Friday, October 13, 2017 at St. Peter’s Hospital from a heart attack. She was surrounded by family members, all who loved her dearly and will miss her greatly.
Virginia was born August 27, 1921 in Great Falls, Montana to Roy J. Reynolds and Alice M. (Harrison) Reynolds. She grew up in Great Falls with her older sister, Margaret and attended Great Falls High School where she graduated in 1939. She then attended the University of Montana in Missoula for a year.
Virginia married William O. “Bud” Pruett on May 29, 1944 in Helena, Montana. She and Bud lived in Walla Walla, Washington where they raised Bud’s two sons, William and Michael Pruett.
Virginia and Bud returned to Helena in 1971, moving next door to her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and W.A. “Al” Brown Jr. Bud died on June 17, 1991 in Helena.
In addition to raising her step-sons, Virginia also worked as a photo retoucher in Walla Walla. After moving to Helena, she worked for her sister at her card and gift store, Margo’s in the Capital Hill Mall, and later worked for her nephew, William A. “Bill” Brown III at his photo store, Jorud Photo and Gift Shop, until she retired.
Virginia was an avid cat lover, who also enjoyed gardening, building miniatures, sewing, puzzles, baking, walking, and until her early 90’s she was a member at Crossroads Fitness Club and was a regular at their water aerobics classes.
Virginia is survived by her daughter-in-law Sondra Pruett, Boise ID; nieces Susan Gray and Jan Brown, Helena, and Lily Langtree, Poulsbo, WA, and extended family members. These include grand nieces Bev Roope, Kim Brown, Elizabeth Pepion and Susan Margaret Boyer and grand nephews Ken Brown, Erik Brown, Joe Gray and Alex Gray.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21st at Forestvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena MT 59604-4455 or to a charity of the donor’s choice would be welcome in honor of Virginia. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Virginia.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday October 21, 2017
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday October 21, 2017
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Diane & Budd Williams says
What can one say about Virginia – except that she was a perfect lady! Anyone who made her acquaintance loved her. We were privileged to know her and enjoy her for many years, at Crossroads, Hardees and our homes. She enriched our lives – she will be sorely missed.
She loved all her family so much, your sorrows were hers, your joys were hers.
We were all fortunate to have Virginia in our lives. Our most Sincere Sympathy, Diane and Budd Williams
Nickie Eck says
I remember well Margo’s and you and Mago putting up with Kathy and I. Your sporty orange Mustang was the envy of everyone. You are back now with Bud and your sister.
Marcia Cory Storer says
Virginia was mom’s best childhood friend. Our whole family loved her. Mom always talked about the two of them getting into giggling fits in the worst possible places. They shared so many childhood memories. So very sad to hear about her passing.
Shawna Donaldson says
I am so sorry to hear of Virginia’s passing. She was such a sweet, loving, happy, inspiring, lady. I had the pleasure of getting to know her through work. I always enjoyed when she would stop by to see me or call. She always made my day a little brighter and made me smile. May your good memories of times with her help you through this difficult time.
Patty Dahl says
Susan dear, I read of your aunt’s death in the car this morning on my way to Denver. Please know I am thinking of you and sending you much love and prayers. ❤️
Marj & Kent Griffin says
Virginia has been a sweet, loving friend for so many years even though we have not been over the back fence neighbors for a long time now. All we needed to do to check-up on the old neighborhood was to give Virginia a call 🙂 Visiting her was always a breath of fresh air and over a cup of tea the minutes flew by and we left being amazed by all she still accomplished every day. She will always be a treasured memory for us.
Erik Brown says
Aunt Ginny was always a symbol of calm, grace and class throughout my life. I will forever smile and think of her every time I see a vintage Mustang drive by. Dearborn St. won’t be the same without her and we’ll be sure to put Christmas lights on her doll house this season to honor her spirit. May we all live such a long, rich full life.
Linda May Hall says
My sincere condolences for the passing of VIRGINIA. I saw her often walking down to Vans. Will miss her.