It was a rare instance when Charles and Alicia Pruet missed a volunteer opportunity at the Meals on Wheels in Plant City. Mondays were “their” days. They drove a route that covered the eastern side of town.
Looking back on the books, volunteer Rebecca Burns noted the duo had been volunteering since 1999.
“They were just a sweet little couple,” Burns said. “They were friendly and personable. The type we like here for clients.”
They still showed up for their route when Mr. Pruet couldn’t drive anymore. Their daughter, Susan, remembers when her dad was sick in the hospital. He was itching to make his route at Meals on Wheels to feed the “old people,” even though he might possibly have been older than some of his clients.
“My father loved Meals on Wheels,” Susan said. “They felt that if you were part of the community, you needed to give back to the community. They taught that God has given everyone special abilities, and it’s up to you to use it.
“I look forward to carrying on their legacy,” Susan said.
Charles and Alicia Pruet died Jan. 13, 2014, in a car accident. Mrs. Pruet, 83, was attempting to make a left turn from Johnson Road onto James L. Redman Parkway with Mr. Pruet, 84, in the passenger seat. Their 2009 Hyundai was struck on the driver side by a southbound semi-truck.
“I have so many wonderful, wonderful memories of my parents,” Susan said.
Mrs. Pruet was a nurturer extraordinaire. Born in Lakeland, she had been an only child and spent some time in a boarding school, while her father was deployed to Japan during World War II. Her mother was allowed to accompany him, but Mrs. Pruet had to stay behind. Since then, she always wanted a big family.
She met Mr. Pruet in school, when they were just teenagers. They married after high school, and Mrs. Pruet’s dreams of having a family came true. She had four children and fell into the homemaking life.
Growing up on her own, Mrs. Pruet had to teach herself how to cook. She couldn’t even scramble an egg when she got married. But, she grew to make family feasts, and Susan calls her from scratch rolls “legendary.”
Wherever the family moved, Mrs. Pruet was involved in garden clubs, including the Garden Club of Plant City, and was a National Flower Show Judge. She also taught English and was a tutor at The Bread of Life Mission in Plant City.
Mr. Pruet adored his wife. He started every mealtime prayer thanking God for his beautiful Alicia.
Prayer was a focal point in the couple’s life. They suffered through life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer and heart problems. Mr. Pruet couldn’t pass a hospital without saying a prayer for everyone inside.
He also couldn’t let a veteran pass without thanking the service member for their sacrifice. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Mr. Pruet always loved to volunteer. He was a Little League and football coach and a Boy Scout leader.
And when he wasn’t volunteering, he was scouring garage sales for hidden treasures and playing with dogs and his grandchildren.
Both were active members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Plant City.
“I could sit and talk about them for hours,” Susan said. “There’s no doubt in my mind they’re in heaven. I take comfort in that they’re together. ‘Til the day they died, they held hands.”
Survivors include a son, Tom S. Pruet; daughters, Susan D. Pruet and Maybian P. (Dr. Michael) Gloth; and grandchildren, Thomas Charles, Emily Kathleen and Lauren Deanna Pruet, Alicia Danielly Pruet, Anna Marissa, Mary-Kate, Jane Miriam and Molly Julianne Gloth and Yessica Chavez.
They were predeceased by son, Charles Clinton Pruet Jr.
A celebration of their lives will be at 3 p.m. March 15, at Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road.
If desired, donations may be made in the Pruets’ names to either the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Fund, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road, Plant City, FL. 33566, or the Bread of Life Christian Mission, 908 E. Reynolds St., Plant City, FL. 33563.
Condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15
WHERE: Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road, Plant City
INFORMATION: If desired, donations may be made in the Pruets’ names to either the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Fund, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road, Plant City, FL. 33566, or the Bread of Life Christian Mission, 908 E. Reynolds St., Plant City, FL. 33563.