Terri Lynn Pruitt

Terri L Pruitt

Age 69 of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away on March 31, 2026. She was born on July 4, 1956, in Gary, Indiana, to Shelba Weiler and the late Frank Szpakowski.

On February 17, 1973, in New Chicago, Indiana, Terri married the love of her life, Rich Pruitt, beginning a lifelong journey filled with love and devotion. Terri worked as a substitute schoolteacher in Portage Township, where she touched many young lives with her kindness and care.

She was truly one of a kind-always positive, full of warmth, and known for her ability to make everyone around her happy. Terri cherished her family above all else, and time spent together brought her the greatest joy. She had a special love for sunflowers, which reflected her bright and uplifting spirit.

Terri also adored her beloved dogs, Keeno and Hope, her “big fur babies” who brought her endless comfort and companionship. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Terri is survived by her husband of 53 yrs. Rich Pruitt; two daughters, Crystal (Jack) Risner, and Angel (Bobby) Jaime; six grandchildren, Veronica, Ryan, Alina, Bobby, Anaya and Aislynn; her mother, Shelba (Dean) Weiler; two brothers, Jim (Sally) Szpakowski and Scott (Lisa) Szpakowski; three sisters, Jan (Darryl) Vanswol, Linda (Mark) Beverly and Deanna (Chris) Weiler and many other loving family members and friends.

Terri is preceded in death by her loving son, Arvel R. Pruitt Jr. and her father, Frank Szpakowski, Jr.

A funeral service for Terri will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Scott Jones officiating at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, Indiana 46368. A burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Portage, Indiana. A visitation will also be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 10:00 am until the time of service. For more information call (219) 762-3013 or online condolences can be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com