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 Corn Husker 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 and 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 and their children Carter (Hannah) Star of Letcher, SD and Andie (Bret) Star-Werpy of Brookings, SD, as well as 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!
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! You can upload your pictures on her memory page: Online Memorial Page: https://app.bluebutterfly.com/memorial/v2/lori-ann-pruitt