Everett Pruter Jr., 77, died October 22, 2012, at Via Christi Village in Hays.  Junior was born July 2, 1935, on the family farm north of Natoma, the son of Everett and Dorothy (Reese) Pruter.  He graduated from Natoma High School in 1953 and was a lifelong resident of Natoma.

A man of numerous talents, hobbies and occupations, Junior was dedicated to his family and community and worked tirelessly to support both. He spent many years alongside his wife running Pruter’s Market in Natoma.  He also loved to auctioneer and barbeque.  He was well known in the area for his auctions and his cooking ventures, which in recent years included Traeger grill sales and service, and in earlier years his Fire, Smoke & Flavor gang.  Many students who attended Natoma schools have fond memories of him as their custodian and bus driver.  No matter the task at hand, Junior’s ready wit kept everything in check. He had many stories to tell, some of them true, some of them not true, and many of them leaving the other party guessing whether it was really true or not. Junior had a special way with people, no matter their age or walk of life.
Of all his accomplishments, Junior’s grandchildren, children and family were his greatest pride and joy. The family bond was strengthened when Junior’s only son, Brad, died in an oilfield accident at the age of 22.

Junior was united in marriage to Kay Christensen on August 1, 1955, in Denver, Colorado.  They were blessed with six children including their son, Bradley Jon, who preceded him in death.  Junior is survived by his wife and five daughters, Kally (Mike) McConkey of Wamego; Carrie Pruter of Salina; Angie (Richard) Koshgarian of Salina; Deena (Vance) Ruggels of Russell; Kenda (Mark) Johnson of Hays; and a special family friend, Kelly (Jerry) Nuss of Natoma. His survivors also include eight grandchildren, Kyle and Craig McConkey; Alec (Andrea), Brady and Cassidy Ruggels; and Carly, Truman and Sylvia Johnson, and one great-grandchild, Shaela McConkey. Junior is also survived by two brothers, Donald Pruter of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Roger Pruter of Leavenworth; and two sisters, Betty Corwin and Elaine Lewis of Osborne.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Neola Cordick and three brothers, Arvin, Leonard and Ronald Pruter.

A Celebration of Junior's Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 27, 2012 at Peace Lutheran Church of Natoma.  Burial will follow at the Natoma Lutheran Cemetery in Natoma, Kansas.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. Friday, October 26, 2012 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Natoma.  Memorials have been established with Peace Lutheran Church or Russell Regional Hospital – Outpatient.  Contributions and condolence may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.