Jennifer Pruett Gattis

Published 12:57 pm Monday, December 16, 2024

September 16, 1942 – December 6, 2024

Jennifer Pruett Gattis, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away at the age of 82 on December 6, 2024, in Columbia, MD. Born in Washington, DC, on September 16, 1942, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Franklin Benton Gattis; her parents, George Raymond Pruett and Winifred Williams Pruett; her brother, John Raymond Pruett; and her sisters, Joan Pruett Moxley and Mary Pruett Whalen. She was also predeceased by her sister-in-law, Deborah Brown Ferndon, and brothers-in-law, Ralph Whalen Jr., Robert Moxley, Thomas Gattis, and Douglas Koenig.

Jennifer is survived by her son, David Benton Gattis, and daughter-in-law Eileen Zurovetz Gattis; daughter, Melissa Gattis Maloney, and son-in-law Daniel Maloney; and grandchildren Caitlyn Gattis Mroz (Stephen Mroz), Ryan Gattis (Hunter Dobson), Connor Maloney, and Megan Maloney. She is also survived by her loving sisters-in-law, Eva Wloka Pruett, Elaine Gattis Koenig, Fran Gattis, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Known as “Jenny” to her family and friends, Jennifer was born in Washington, DC, and at the age of 10, moved to the family farm, Struan, in Culpeper, Virginia, where she grew up.

Jenny attended Radford College in Virginia, where she studied biology and met Frank Gattis at a Virginia Tech football game. The two were married on December 29, 1962, on a snowy winter day at Struan, beginning a journey that would span over six decades.

Their early years together took them to Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, where Frank served as a new 2nd Lieutenant. By 1966, they had relocated to Connecticut, eventually settling into a historic home in Glastonbury, where they lived for over 30 years.

Throughout her life, Jenny had an unwavering love for animals. Her home was often filled with dogs, cats, hamsters, and goldfish, and she was deeply involved in the world of dog obedience and agility. She competed and taught with her beloved Shetland Sheepdogs, Border Collies, and Belgian Tervurens, traveling across the country for events and competitions.

Jenny was also a talented artist, known for her work in painting and fiber arts, particularly rug hooking. Her family treasures many of her creations, each a lasting reminder of her creativity and skill.

An avid reader, Jenny could finish a book in a day, and her love for literature led her to work at a used bookstore in Glastonbury for many years. Her family will forever remember the constant supply of books she brought home, fostering a love for reading in all who knew her.

In 1980, Jenny and Frank built a beach house in Duck, NC, which became a central hub for their family. The home, nestled in the Outer Banks, provided countless joyful memories, especially during the annual Duck 4th of July celebrations with family and friends.

Jenny’s spirit for adventure was evident in her extensive travels. As a child, she drove cross-country with her aunt and uncle, and later in life, she and Frank explored the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and England. Her final trip was to Iceland with her family, a fitting end to her love for discovery.

Above all, Jenny was a woman who cherished time spent with her family and friends. She enjoyed good food, fine wine, and sharing laughs, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A burial service will be held at Culpeper National Cemetery in Culpeper, VA on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund or to your local animal shelter, in keeping with Jenny’s love of animals.

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