Gayle began her education in a one room schoolhouse. In her later school years, she attended St. Clair High School where she met her high school sweetheart, Gerald (Jerry) E. Pruitt. They married on February 11, 1961, in St. Mary’s Church and were married for 63 years. Gayle was a Marine Corp officer’s wife and relocated to both coasts with her husband. She had her first two children, Jerry & Sue, in Naval hospitals. Gayle and her family returned to their home state of Michigan in 1964 and had their 3rd child David. Gayle lived in St. Clair Shores for many years where she was very active in her children’s school PTA. She was instrumental in bringing the first mammograms to the St. Clair Shores area! She has resided with her family in Rochester Hills since 1978 and has been a member at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church ever since.
Gayle was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother/nana, aunt, cousin, friend, and neighbor. She was an exemplary homemaker and was known for her infectious laugh and beautiful smile. Gayle loved gatherings of family and friends, especially enjoying a Manhattan! Gayle loved to go to the casino. She called it “going to work”. She was an avid card player and had a running Gin Rummy game with Jerry. She loved to spend time playing on her family Fantasy Football team and knew all the players! She treasured the friendships she made over many years in both her golf and bowling leagues. After retirement, Gayle loved traveling extensively with Jerry in their RV and meeting lifelong friends along the way. She met with her group of St. Clair High School girlfriends of 68+ years on a regular basis, and they meant the world to her. She was also a long-time member of the Rochester Meadowbrook Women’s Club.
As a Gold Star Mother, Gayle was preceded in death by her son, David Scott Pruitt, in 1987. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Clarence & Loretta (Bell) Westrick; brother, Donald Westrick; and her sister and best friend, Jean (John) Lewandowski. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Gerald (Jerry) Pruitt and her children, Dr. Gerald (Malia) Pruitt and Susan (Matt) Murasky; and her grandchildren, who she adored more than anything, Parker, Drew, Margaret, Jacob, Macy, and Tyler; and many nieces and nephews.
The viewing will be held from 4 - 8 pm on April 26, 2024, with a Memory Sharing at 7 pm at Pixley Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held the following day, April 27, at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Rochester Hills, Michigan, at 10:00 am, with instate beginning at 9:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gayle's memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
