Linda Pruett, of Dowagiac

Published 10:30 am Thursday, August 2, 2018

Oct. 20, 1953 — July 29, 2018

Linda Pruett, formerly Linda Irwin, 64, died Sunday evening, July 29, 2018, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo from complications of surgery after a recent diagnosis with terminal cancer.

She was born on Oct. 20, 1953, in Dowagiac, the oldest daughter of Curtis Jr. and Marcia (Bailey) Pruett and was a lifelong resident of Dowagiac.

A 1971 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School, Linda was a very strong and determined woman set to accomplish much in her life. She raised her three daughters while working from home for Piper Refrigeration and Heating during the day and the Dowagiac Elks Lodge on the weekends.

As her children grew, she began working evenings for Magyar and Swisher P.C. for many years before working full time for the Cass County Government. Linda first worked as the Juvenile Registrar before being appointed to Cass County Treasurer in 2002. She then ran four additional terms in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 to continue her position as Treasurer. She loved serving her constituents in Cass County.

Linda gave all she could and then some. She volunteered and held various board positions in multiple organizations throughout her life, including past Chair for Cass County Republican Party, Cass County Civitan Club, and Special Olympics. When she wasn’t volunteering, Linda was spreading her love by cooking and giving her time and energy to anyone in need. In her spare time she enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting, crafts, and most of all, SHOPPING!! She began her Christmas shopping on Dec. 26 and collected many gifts for any occasion. If you needed a gift, Linda had the perfect gift in her “store.”

Linda loved her family and friends fiercely. Surviving are her three daughters, Sheree Irwin of Dowagiac, Jennifer (Dan) Cook, of Hastings, and Pamela (Jason) Olivarez, of Schoolcraft; five grandchildren, Jonathan Cook, Katherine Cook, McKenna Olivarez, Jackson Olivarez, and Andrew Cook; mother, Marcia Pruett of Dowagiac; brother, Greg (Lauryn) Pruett, of Cedar Park, Texas; sister, Karen Rutherford, of East Lansing; two nieces, Jodi (Alex) Croft and Delaney Rutherford; nephew, Mark (Kim) Pruett; grand-niece, Wren Pruett; aunt, Joyce Bailey, of Dowagiac; uncle, Michael Bailey, of Dowagiac; significant other, Bob Walker, of Cassopolis; a large extended family; many friends; and an enormous “County family”.

Preceding her in death were her father, Curtis Pruett Jr.; grandson, Justin Cross (Olivarez); and brother-in-law, Bob Rutherford.

Friends may visit with Linda’s family from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis. A funeral service to celebrate Linda’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, at First United Methodist Church, 326 North Lowe Street, Dowagiac. A private family interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac.

The family prefers contributions in Linda’s memory be directed to Cass County Civitan Club, 55707 Colby Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047, Helping Hands of Cass County, 130 South Broadway Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031, or West Michigan Cancer Center, 200 North Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.