Clarice Kay Pruter, 84, of Russell, KS, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS.
Kay was born on December 12, 1937, in Hays, KS, the daughter of Clarence T. and Clara M. (Pfortmiller) Christensen. She grew up in Natoma, KS, and graduated from Natoma High School in 1955. Kay was united in marriage to Everett Pruter, Jr. on August 1, 1955, in Denver, Colorado. From this union, Kay and Jr. were blessed with six children: Kally, Brad, Carrie, Angie, Deena and Kenda. Kay was a talented musician and enjoyed playing the piano and organ. A lifetime member of Peace Lutheran Church, she shared her musical talents as the church organist for 60 years. She also served her community as an accompanist for countless school events, weddings and funerals. Kay was a hard worker and held several jobs outside the home while caring for her family. For many years, she worked alongside her husband as co-owner of Pruter’s Market in Natoma, where she not only provided a vital service to the community but also befriended many with her spunky attitude and caring nature. Of all her accomplishments, Kay’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy. Kay is now reunited with her son, Brad, who died in an oilfield accident at the age of 22.
Surviving family include her daughters Kally McConkey (Mike) of Wamego, KS, Carrie Pruter of Salina, KS, Angie Koshgarian (Richard) of Salina, KS, Deena Ruggels (Vance) of Russell, KS, and Kenda Johnson (Mark) of Hays, KS; and brother Don Christensen (Liz); eight grandchildren Kyle and Craig (Ashley) McConkey, Alec and Brady (Amber) Ruggels and Cassidy (Benjamin) Miller, Carly, Truman and Sylvia Johnson; and eight great grandchildren Shaela, Libby, and Maddy McConkey, Cooper Gallagher, Layton Ruggels, Finley and Lily Ruggels, Hazel Miller; and dear friend Kelly Nuss of Natoma, KS.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband Jr., son Bradley Jon Pruter, and sister Rethal Ann DeGraw.
A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Natoma Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at the mortuary in Russell, Kansas, with family greeting guests from 5 PM to 8 PM Tuesday evening. Memorials may be given to the Peace Lutheran Church and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.