Rita Johnston Pruette, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away Monday, September 14, 2026.
Rita lived her life with a larger-than-life personality, an unmistakable love for her family, and an unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was nearly impossible to have a conversation with her without hearing about the faith that guided her life. She didn’t simply believe it – she lived it.
She influenced a remarkable ability to recognize and give thanks for life’s simplest blessings, things so many of us pass by without noticing. Gratitude came naturally to her. She prayed faithfully, loved deeply, and fought fiercely for the people she cared about. And it she loved you; you knew it. Sometimes that love came through encouragement and prayer, and sometimes it came through words you weren’t quite ready to hear.
Rita cared too deeply to remain silent when she was worried about someone she loved. Her convictions were strong, her passion was unmistakable, and beneath it all was a heart that desperately wanted the very best for her family. You could look at her writings and see she was never mean in spirit. She loved you enough to spend time thinking and praying for those she loved.”
Many times, found her just writing down every member of our family’s name over and over and I know she was praying continuously and feverishly for us all. Our lives are better for it and who knows where we’d be without those prayers.
She remained completely herself until the end. On her final full day with her family, she had a beautiful day, talking with those she loved and leaving them with one more precious gift, the sound of her voice, her unmistakable personality, and the knowledge that you are loved.
Rita is survived by her children, Bill Pruette (Robin) of Columbia, Carol Newman (Charlie) of Rock Hill, Randall Pruette (Lisa) of Richburg; and Dr. David Pruette of Portland, OR, and was blessed with eight precious grandchildren, Cameron Pruette, Nathan Pruette (Sophia), Dr. Katie Newman Chambers (Cory), Marissa Newman Hyatt (Jerry), Carley Newman Kohler (Ben), Josh Pruette, Ben Pruette, and Becky Pruette. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Landon Hyatt, Andrew Hyatt, and Annabelle Chambers, whose lives brought her endless happiness.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Francis “Frank” Lee Pruette, with whom she shared a life filled with love, devotion, and memories. Their commitment to one another remained a beautiful and cherished part of Rita’s life.
In addition to her husband, Rita was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon Johnston and Floride Phillips Johnston, her granddaughter, Jamie Hope Pruette, and her great-grandson, Briggs Ellis Chambers.
Family will receive and welcome friends on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 12:30P.M. to 2:00P.M. at Harvest Ministries Church, 1211 Anderson Rd S, Rock Hill, SC 29730. A service will be held after the visitation at 2:00P.M. with Pastor Gary Adkins officiating. Graveside will follow at Grandview Memorial Park – Cherry Road.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net