Lavonne Rose Pruitt

September 6, 1937 – September 1, 2026

Lavonne Rose Pruitt, 88, of Johnston, Iowa, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at Brio of Johnston.

Lavonne was born on September 6, 1937, in Beetown, Wisconsin, to Amber Arnold Beam and Lila Mae (Meyers) Beam. Throughout her life, Lavonne was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasured her family.

While raising her two sons, Brett and Brian, Lavonne worked as an orthodontic assistant. Her profession often followed her home, as she faithfully checked her boys’ teeth each night to make sure they were properly brushed and hopefully free from the need for braces—a nightly routine the boys did their best to challenge.

After retiring from orthodontics, Lavonne went on to own and operate a dress shop in the Valley Junction District with friends and business partners for several years.

In 1999, Lavonne and her husband, James, retired and purchased a winter home in Palm Desert, California, where they enjoyed the wonderful community at Oasis Golf and Country Club. Lavonne enjoyed golfing several times a month and was especially proud of achieving a hole-in-one. Over the years, Lavonne and James also made homes in Surprise, Arizona, and Naples, Florida.

Lavonne had a kind and loving heart and enjoyed the many blessings life brought her. She deeply loved her family and also held a special place in her heart for her beloved pets, Buttons, Sheba, and Callie.

Lavonne was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents; her sister; and her two brothers.

She is lovingly remembered by her two sons, Brett and Brian; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and other family and friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.

Lavonne will be remembered for her loving heart, her devotion to family, and the joy she found in life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lavonne’s honor to WesleyLife Hospice of Johnston or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Merle Hay Funeral Home Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa.

Lavonne will be laid to rest alongside her husband, James, at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.