Celebrating the Life of
Lori Ann Pruitt
September 4, 1969 — February 24, 2024
Obituary
V In the early morning hours of February 24, 2024, Lori Pruitt passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the ones she loved.
She fought a long and very courageous unwavering battle against Glioblastoma brain cancer diagnosed in June 2021. Her family was able to spend quality time with Lori during her journey and through her final weeks.
Lori was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and grew-up in Spearfish and she shared her kindness, warmth, and spirit for life everywhere she went. She touched lives in Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Utah, and then in her final home of Florence, Arizona which she loved dearly.
Her education continued after high school attending Black Hills State University and University of Nebraska, Lincoln earning degrees in business, journalism, marketing, and leadership. She married Thom Pruitt in Okoboji, Iowa September 9, 2000 where they had their son Andrew. Lori and Thom are well known for their Nebraska Cornhusker versus Oklahoma Sooner/Hers and His rivalry. Lori did make an exception to this rivalry when rooting for Sooner Softball.
Lori had successful career endeavors including owning and operating her own business “Okoboji Bath and Body”, store manager and administration for Kmart Stores, Farley and Sathers Candy Company, buyer for Syberjet, and Finance Director for Pinal County in Arizona. She was a master organizer in all aspects of her life and loved putting helpful binders together.
She was a born leader who always took time to mentor and help others. She loved connecting with Thom’s students at San Tan Foothills High School, even meeting with one during her days in hospice. Throughout her life and into her final days, she kept us all laughing and enjoying her genuine spirit and we are so proud of this wonderful, courageous lady!
Lori was loved by those who passed before her including her mother Selene and her grandparents. She will always be loved by her husband Thom and son Andrew of Florence, AZ, father Todd Sorensen (Darial) of Sioux Falls, SD, brother Chris (Molly) Sorensen; their children Grant and Olivia. of Florida, Father-in-law Bob and Mother-in-law Rene’ Pruitt of Mitchell, SD, Sister-in-law Lisa (Dale) of Mitchell, SD; their children Carter (Hannah) Star of Letcher, SD, and Andie (Bret) Star-Werpy of Brookings, SD. Many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.
The family will be gathering June 1, 2024 for a memorial celebration and golf tourney in Larchwood, Iowa. Anyone wishing to attend the celebration and/or golf tournament is welcome!
We invite you to add a memory, story, encouragement for the family, and photos below! Scroll down and find a photo show with cherished moments.
One of Lori’s favorite celebrations was enjoying an icy Margarita and she looked forward to having one throughout her treatment and even during hospice. So to celebrate this fabulous woman, have a Margarita and toast Lori!
Cheers Lori - We love you!!
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
One of Lori's happy places!
Lori and I are 10 years apart in age, but it never felt like it! We got married a week apart and had our children within months of each other. I will always remember having the family together and Thom and Lori's wedding, which was a great time filled with lots of laughter and dancing! Jaden and I ventured to AZ with the kids several years ago and stayed with the Pruitts and my kids still talk about making homemade pasta with Thom while Lori and me were outside having beverages, probably a margarita! I was so thankful to be able to make a solo trip to stay for a long weekend with Lori, Thom & Andrew after Lori's diagnosis and reconnect with her. I loved our morning coffee chats talking about life to death and everything in between, watching movies and relaxing together! We also got to have lunch over quick trips to AZ the last few years and Lori always made time to get together. I will cherish the times we got to spend together the last few years especially. I will miss her smile, laugh, wit and her easy "I love you's". I love you Lori! Thom & Andrew, she loved you so very much! You along with Todd, Chris and families have my deepest and heartfelt sympathy! Love you all!
I met Thom Pruitt (and then Lori) when he sold me a boat at Lake Okoboji in northern Iowa. That started a friendship between Thom and Lori and my wife, Dianne, and myself. As that relationship blossomed, they asked me if I would consider performing their wedding. We spent countless hours together chatting about stuff we still can’t share, but also drawing close to one another. That was one great wedding … they gave me a Hawaiian shirt that I still have! We stayed in touch as both couples wandered the West, but time has a way of separating. We moved to Peoria, AZ in 2021, but due to Lori’s cancer we couldn’t find the right time to get together. Dianne and I are so saddened with Lori’s passing, but are confident her pain is gone and she’s enjoying the best Margarita ever. Our love to Thom and the rest of the family.
Lori was such beautiful person inside and out. We had some great times togehter. She was my mentor, friend, big sister, boss, counselor, and so many other things. I can't even begin to tell you how much she changed me and my life. I'm so thankful for every moment we shared and every conversation we had. I will miss her "Devil's Advocate" comments, incredible intelligece, kind heart, and huge smile.
Lori and her brother Chris.
It was a blessing to be able to spend the last few weeks with Lori while she went through the end of her journey. She was strong, loving, and inspirational until her last breath. She was a sister to me from the day Thom introduced us. She was so strong and graceful, her final days were a joy to be caring for her. She was joking and laughing with us keeping us cracking up. I miss her so much already but have memories in my heart that are strong and joyous. Love you my dear Lori!