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Helen Pruitt

July 29, 1936 - March 23, 2007
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Sunday, March 25, 2007
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Michigan Campaign for Quality Care Kalamazoo Chapter

Covenant Senior Day Program
7211 Oakland Drive
Portage, MI 49024

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Helen Pruitt was destined to make her mark in the hearts of her cherished family and friends. Vibrant and full of life, Helen shone like a beacon - bright and dazzling for all to see. She was deeply committed to her family, and she found the greatest joy in their presence.

The Great Depression dominated American life in the 1930s. However, by the end of the decade, World War II would revive the economy and bring American's closer together than ever. Despite the hardship of the times, Clarence and Lucille (Born) Bosley of Kalamazoo, Michigan, had something to be thankful for, the birth of a healthy baby girl on July 29, 1936, who they named Helen Sue.

Along with her older sister, Wanita, Helen grew up in a loving home on Alcott Street in Kalamazoo. Although Helen was pretty much a tomboy as a youngster, she was undoubtedly her "daddy's little girl." Her father affectionately called her "pee wee" and this nickname stuck with her throughout her life, mostly with her close childhood friends. For fun, Helen liked to roller skate, play ping pong and swim like a fish in Long Lake, where her family had a cottage. During the summer, her parents had a hard time getting her out of the water, she loved it so much. Helen attended Kalamazoo Central High School. As a teenager, Helen had two very close friends, Marcia and Shirley, and they remained lifelong friends, sharing their joys and heartaches through the years.

It was in high school that Helen met her first husband, George "Joe" Gerard. The two were married in 1952, and had three wonderful children together: Dan, Julie and Jeff. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in the late 1960s. Helen stayed home when the children were born, wanting to dedicate her time to raising them well. It was said "she was a mama bear that had high standards." She was actively involved in their schooling and activities, including as a Cub Scout den leader, in the Parchment Little League and on the PTO. In addition, Helen was also involved in her community, volunteering with the American Cancer Society and on the Michigan Baton Council. One thing that Helen was not, however, was an accomplished cook. Her children agreed that cooking was not her forte, but they managed to survive somehow. She even had a sigh that read, "Kitchen closed, this chick's had it."

In the early 1970s, Helen was working at Jack Thurman's, and it was here that she met her second husband, Dan Pruitt. Dan was a sales representative and frequent patron of the restaurant. Over time, the two became romantically involved and were married on September 25, 1971 and moved to Portage, Michigan. When her youngest daughter, Kelly, was in grade school, Helen encouraged her to get involved with baton twirling. It wasn't long before she, Dan and Kelly were traversing the country, participating in various competitions, and having a good time together. Now, Kelly encourages her own daughter to participate in such activities.

In her later years, Helen enjoyed a more colorful and glitzy persona. She was definitely not the "typical grandmother", but was rather hip and lived on the edge. Helen adored her grandchildren and attended as many of their bowling tournaments and little league games as she could. When it came to her leisure time, Helen liked to sew and do needle work, and watch old western movies, particularly with John Wayne as "the Duke." Helen was never alone at home with her constant companions: "Pepper" her German Shepard, "Sloopy" her poodle, "Tazy" her cock-a-poo, and "Snuggles" and "Taffy." Traveling was something Helen always enjoyed and she had the opportunity to tour Europe with her daughter, Julie, and her husband, Charlie. About eight years ago, Helen began experiencing symptoms of dementia. Her grandson Michael was there to help out by bringing his "Grammie" her favorite ice cream sundaes. She went to live at Heartland Health Care Center three years ago.

Helen will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother and friend with a vibrant spirit. She will be dearly missed.

Helen Sue Pruitt, age 70 of Kalamazoo, MI, died March 23, 2007. Friends may spend time with Helen's family on Sunday, March 25, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (375-2900). Helen is survived by four children: Dan (Mary) Gerard, Julie (Charlie) Seeger all of Portage, Jeff Gerard of Vicksburg, and Kelly (Tim) Jones of Three Rivers; nine grandchildren: Danny, Michael, Angela, David, Michael, Treassa, Casey, Jordyn and Skyler; and special lifetime friends, Marcia Stafford of Parchment and Shirley Ptacek of Portage. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo of Helen or sign her online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the Covenant Senior Day Program or Michigan Campaign for Quality Care Kalamazoo Chapter.

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