Missy Pruett

Age 42, our beloved daughter, sister, cousin, niece and best friend passed away on June 29, 2014. Missy was born July 8, 1971, in Grants, NM. She grew up in Albuquerque's West Side, and attended parochial at San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church. She graduated from West Mesa High School in 1989. She was an unbelievable lover of animals, often picking up stray dogs and taking them to her mother's house. Talk about being the biggest fan of Dallas Cowboys fan. Her boxes of personal belongings included football trading cards, T-shirts and a Troy Aikman Beanie Baby. And had there been an Albuquerque Fan Club for the Cowboys, she would have been the president. Oh my God, she loved Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman and old- school Tony Dorsett. And when her cousin, Alexandra, became a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, she finagled several autographed cheerleader photos to give to friends. She was so proud. Missy had an infectious smile that assured warmth to the heart of all those whom she came to know and love. She showed the same love to animals. Who else would also have a pet goose, chickens and goats! Missy had so many admirable and remarkable qualities, most notably her gentle kindness and cheerfulness. She had a strong unbreakable spirit even toward the end of her young life as she bravely fought cancer. Missy loved the outdoors, often going on vacation fishing trips with her dad, John, to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Fish tales aside, great memories were created, and it gave them precious father/daughter time. Missy spoke fondly of those times. Missy was especially devoted to her mom, Gloria, as would any normal child. But her love for her mom was exponential since she was her primary caregiver during her illness. She forever showed gratitude for the extra care and attention. Missy was close to many in her family, but none more than her brother Martin. He, too, cared for Missy during her illness. She had two superheroes in her life who she loved dearly, cousins Mateo and Andres. Her aunt Marta was a pivotal person in her life, and was a huge participant in her care, often holding her hand during trying medical procedures. She will be missed and fondly remembered by all those who knew her. She was preceded in death by sister, Kimberly Pruett; godfather/uncle, Edmundo Archuleta; and grandmother, Abdonsa Gandara. She is survived by her father, John Pruett; mother, Gloria Gandara; brother, Martin Gandara, all of Albuquerque. She is also survived by stepmother, Carmelita Pruett; stepsiblings, Chad Jones, Sharry Halpin, and Deborah Butler; uncles, Ricardo Gandara, Paul Crane, Dave Pruett, and Jack Darnell; aunts, Marta Gandara and Rose Sparkman; first cousins, Annette McGinty, Tim Archuleta, John Archuleta, Joel Archuleta, Ricky Archuleta, Yvonne Fox, Mateo Duran, Andres Duran, Alexandra Gandara, Victoria Gandara, and Isabella Gandara; many second and third cousins, and an extended family, all of whom she loved and cared for dearly. Can't forget her two much beloved dogs, Jeter and Little Girl. The family would like to give at this time, a special and heartfelt thank you to longtime friends: Kimberly Telfer, Claudia Montoya, Consuelo Martinez, Leslie Lopez, Jess Roman-Bachicha, Jeanette Gilbert, and Jill Ingraham. A public viewing will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2014, at 12 noon with recital of the Rosary at 1:00 p.m., both held at FRENCH - University Blvd. NE. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Dallas Cowboys colors are being worn to celebrate and honor Missy's love for the team.