Evelyn Pruitt, age 89, of Olney, Illinois, passed away Wednesday morning, August 10, 2016, at Burgin Manor in Olney.

   Evelyn was born October 21, 1926, in Clay County, the daughter of Nelson and Martha (Carlyle) Pruitt.  She worked at International Shoe for many years until their closure.  Evelyn was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, who loved children and was family-oriented. She will be remembered as a person of great strength, being generous and big hearted.

   She is survived by her loving son: Gary Pruitt of Olney; one sister: Gladys Best of Okemah, OK; nieces: Marilyn Jones of Clay City and Patty Morris of Bridgeport; along with many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters: Bessie Crown and Mary Farris; and 6 brothers: Elmer, Delmer, Arthur, Reuben, Clyde, and Raymond Pruitt.

   A funeral service for Evelyn Pruitt will be 7 p.m. Monday, August 15, 2016, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora, with visitation from 6-7 p.m. Monday.  Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.