Lois Ellen (Rathbun) Pruitt

HUTCHINSON

  Lois Ellen Pruitt, 95, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away peacefully at Hospice House in Hutchinson, KS on September 3, 2026. She was born on May 9, 1931, in Lincoln County to Milo and Elsie Rathbun, and grew up with the strong values, work ethic, and faith that shaped her long life.

  Lois married her high school sweetheart, Weldon Trapp, on February 20, 1949, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sylvan Grove. Together they built a loving family on the farm and shared 51 years of marriage until Weldon’s passing in 2000. In time, Lois was blessed with another chapter of companionship when she met Dwaine Pruitt through her love of bowling. They married on April 14, 2007, in Ellsworth and shared 12 years together before his passing in 2020.

  Lois lived with quiet strength allowing her to live independently until the age of 93. After her children were grown, she pursued her desire to care for others by completing her training as a Certified Medication Aide, working for many years serving others. In her free time, bowling was one of her greatest joys, she loved to compete but mostly enjoyed socializing with her friends and teammates. At home, Lois’ hands were rarely still, she spent many hours crocheting blankets, tending her garden, and canning her famous spicy pickles. Her kitchen table was never complete without a crossword puzzle and a worn dictionary nearby.

  Her faith was central to her life. Lois was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, attending regularly until her health no longer allowed. She kept daily devotion books close at hand and lived out her faith with steadiness and grace.

  Lois is survived by her children, Warren Trapp and Wenda (Don) Miller; her sister Debbie (Steve) McBride; and her grandchildren, Sheena Harris, Robert Trapp, Missy Hughbanks, Maggie Wilkerson, and Debbie Stegman. She is also survived by great grandson Tyler Miller and several other great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Milo and Elsie Rathbun; her sisters, Ardis Rose and Eula Mae Howell; her sons, Wayne Trapp and infant Michael Trapp; and her husbands, Weldon Trapp and Dwaine Pruitt.

  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sylvan Grove, with burial following at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery.

  Visitation will take place from 1-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Parsons Funeral Home in Ellsworth with family present to greet visitors from 6-8 p.m.

  Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Hospice of Reno County, c/o, Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, KS 67439.

  Her family gives thanks for her long life, her strength, and the legacy she leaves behind.

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