She became a mother at a young age and married young. She then served as a military spouse through the Vietnam War era until 1978 when her husband retired and returned home to Marshalltown to care for her parents. She completed her GED later in life. She also graduated from Upholstery school and started her own business, A & K Upholstery, with her husband, which they ran for over 30 years in Michigan, Alaska and the last being Union, Iowa.

Karen’s passion was her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, her siblings and friends. She was a giving, caring, loyal and compassionate person and was always there to listen when you needed. She knew how to laugh with you and have fun. She never met a stranger and was always willing to talk to any and every one. Karen was a member of the church of Christ since the age of 19 when she accepted Jesus as her Lord and was baptized. She faithfully served in the church until her health declined serving the past several years with the 1402 S. Center Street Church of Christ.

Karen met Arthur Leon Pruitt at a young age when he was the “paper boy.” They were married on June 23, 1961 in Marshalltown, Iowa. Together they raised 4 children.

Karen is survived by her children: Jerrie (David) Haffner, of Lebanon, TN, Hope (Dave) Elliott of Palmer Alaska, Arthur Leon Pruitt II and Nathaniel Pruitt, both of Marshalltown, Iowa, brother: Larry Ecklor, of Marshalltown, sisters: Bonnie (Dave) Wargo, of Lakeland, FL, Rose Mitchell, of Uniontown, PA and her friend and mother-in-law, Peggy Pruitt, of Marshalltown. She also is survived by 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and many who “adopted” her as their “mom,” or grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Pruitt, her parents, Eddie & Elsie Ecklor, her brothers: Donald Ecklor, Ed Ecklor, Tommy Ecklor, Jerry Ecklor, George Ecklor, Roger Ecklor and sister Grace Burns.

A private family graveside service will be held at Clearmont Cementery, Clearmont, Missouri on Saturday, February 12th at 1:00 pm. A celebration of life will be held on June 25th, 2022, on her birthdate for family and friends in Marshalltown, Iowa, at Anson Park, 917 S. 4th Ave., Marshalltown, IA, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A reminder will be placed on her Facebook page, Karen Ecklor Pruitt will be posted as a reminder.

Karen always said don’t waste money on flowers when I’m gone because I wouldn’t be able to enjoy them; in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Adoration Foundation (Hospice), 1210 Briarville Road, Building D, Madison, TN 37115 in her memory and with grateful thanks for the love and care provided to her in her final days or the Church of Christ listed above.