A. Darlene Pruett, age 85, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away Monday, September 21, 2020 at her home. She was born February 4, 1935 in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Leo and Alice Nelson Pruett. On July 24, 1953, she married Duane Fryrear in Oquawka, Illinois. They later divorced.
Darlene was a 1953 graduate of G & O High School in Gladstone, Illinois. She was a member of the Zion United Church of Christ in Burlington, Iowa.
Early in her career, Darlene worked for Bell Telephone Company, later as Deputy County Clerk for Henderson County, and then for GTE Corporation. She also worked at the Raritan State Bank from 1974 until her retirement in January of 2000. She enjoyed reading, and considered caring for her children and grandchildren, her most important job.
Survivors include two daughters, Cathy (Chuck) Cargill and Susan (Sam) Fryrear-Bigger, two sons, Gary (Lynn) Fryrear and Steven (Denise) Fryrear, all of the Stronghurst area, eight grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and fifteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Howard, Wilbur and Dale Pruett.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, private family graveside services will be held Saturday September 26, 2020 in the Knoxville, Illinois Cemetery with Rev. Brice Hughes officiating. No visitation is planned. A memorial fund has been established for the Zion United Church of Christ and may be sent in care of Banks & Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 299, Stronghurst, Illinois, 61480. Please visit Darlene’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.
