Ray Eugene Pruett

In the early morning of July 2, 2025 this old cowboy hung up his hat and kicked off his boots for the last time.

Born in his grandparents’ home in Tuttle, ID on November 16, 1939, early life was not easy for Ray. At a very young age he worked on his parent’s small ranch near King Hill milking cows, mending fences and tending to the daily chores of ranch life. He loved horses and had an uncanny connection to them. He often said that the most peaceful moments in his life were sitting in the saddle in a rainstorm listening to the raindrops splash on his hat and slicker. At the young age of 13, he set out on his own, leaving the ranch to run wild horses and break them, working for various farmers in the area, and worked and lived at the Koffee Kup Gas Station in Hammett until graduating from Glenn’s Ferry High School in 1958.

While working at a men’s clothing store, The Toggery, in Gooding, ID, he met the love of his life, Murlene Helderman. The two married on January 19, 1962, and they went on to have many adventures together. Summers were spent camping and motorcycle riding in the Sawtooth Mountains. Winters brought on skiing and cozying up by the fire in their cabin in the South Hills.

Ray told stories of many adventures to include a fishing trip to Alaska during which a grizzly bear took an interest in the fish he and his buddies had caught. They were all forced to take refuge in their boat, escape to the deep water, and watch the bear consume their catch of the day.

Charismatic and charming, any stranger who met him would likely become a friend. He prided himself in his appearance and his work ethic. Throughout his life he worked various jobs. He sold insurance for State Farm, worked for US Steel, and finished his career as a manager with Western Farm Service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry “Hank” Pruett and Fay (Palmer) Pruett and his beloved wife, Murlene. He is survived by his two daughters; Paige (Mike) Wilson, Patty (Jenny) Pruett; his sister, Shirley Starry; grandchildren Jessica (Sherman) Miller and Alex (Amy) Wilson and his great grandchildren, Angela, Makinlee, Jack, Ellie and Lincoln.

At Ray”s request, no service will be held. However there will be a celebration of life at Canyon Springs Golf Course on September 14, 2025 at 1:00pm.