Barbara L. Pruett, 78, passed away on Nov. 26, 2024, in UC Memorial Central Hospital, with family by her side. She was born on May 18, 1946, to Robert Norman Werner Sr. and Arleen (Lund) Werner in Ashland, Wis.
She graduated from Grand Junction Central High School in 1964. A talented musician, Barb played the flute in the school band and continued to play for the rest of her life. She briefly attended Northland College in Ashland, Wis., before moving back to Grand Junction and then on to Alamosa, Colo.
In 1967 she met and married Roy Dwane Pruett in Alamosa, Colorado. When they met, Roy was a lineman for Public Service Company and, as a result, had many rowdy friends. Barb cured Roy from late nights, and put a stop to the Schlitz keg in the basement at the house on Murphy Drive. She was probably responsible for the rest of the family having many, many more memories with Roy.
Barbara worked as an admissions administrator for Adams State College and loved reading and knitting. She and her husband Roy also owned and operated the Chinook Lodge in South Fork, Colo. Many folks most likely remember her talkative nature and either looked forward to a chat about the gossip in South Fork or knew how to pretend they were hard of hearing. Her father-in-law, Roy E. Pruett, was one of the first State Patrolmen in the Valley and would purposely pull her over by the College to embarrass her but, secretly, she liked the attention.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Roy, her mother, father, stepfather Roy Pile who always held a special place in her heart, and granddaughter Candace Aldrich.
Barbara leaves behind her brother Bud (Ronda) Werner, sister Patti (Frank) Hagan, Stepdaughter Angela (Bryan) Kyle and Stepson Michael Pruett. She also leaves behind grandchildren who loved her - Joe (Erin) Aldrich Mosca, Colo., Aaron Aldrich of Lumberton, Texas, Jade Pruett, and Taj Pruett both of Durango, Colo. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews and multiple great grandchildren who knew her and always looked forward to Christmas Eve at her house in South Fork.
Cremation has been chosen, and a celebration of life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to La Puente Home, or a cause of your choosing in memory of Barbara Pruett.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes and words of comfort for Barbara’s family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.
