Mary J. Pruitt, 79, of Topeka, KS, formerly of Holton and Hoyt, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Lexington Park, peacefully in her sleep. She was born May 7, 1943 in Valley Center, KS, the daughter of Elzava and Mabel (Fanning) Carter.

Mary graduated from Valley Center High School in 1961. She was owner and operator (alongside her husband, Gary) of R & G Auto Sales, Pruitt Builders and Tastee Freeze all in Holton. They also owned Gambino’ s Pizza in Topeka, Hoyt, Holton, Blue Rapids and Onaga.

She was a member of the NOTLOH Card Club in Holton and was an avid bowler.

Mary married Gary Lee Pruitt on September 7, 1962 in Valley Centers, KS; they celebrated over 49 years of marriage, before his passing on November 10, 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Elzava and Mabel Carter; son, Russell Pruitt on December 16, 2007; 3 sisters, Beulah Rader, Betty Kennedy and Florita Davis and 3 brothers, Larry (her twin), Bill and Jim Carter.

Survivors include her daughter, Janice Tidwell of Topeka, KS; 6 grandchildren, Linsey Kueser (Eric), Alec Rodvelt, Kasey Rodvelt, Maggie Pruitt, Macy Pruitt and Mary Pruitt and 5 great-grandchildren, Kayslee Rodvelt, Julia, Kallee, Lexee and Mellee Kueser.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be given to the Mary Pruitt Memorial Fund (to be designated to local school for lunch money) or American Cancer Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.