Melba Vaudene Pruitt

With deep sadness, we announce that Melba Vaudene McDonald Pruitt, 95, of Mineral Wells, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025.

Vaudene was born to Valree and Buster McDonald in Gustine TX in 1930. She and Billy Mutt Pruitt married on December 31, 1951 in Comanche. They completed their family with two daughters Betty and Brenda. Vaudene deeply believed in taking care of family, including her parents, in-laws and other relatives.

Vaudene attended high school in Gustine. Her college education began at Tarelton State College in Stephenville and she received a teaching degree in Home Economics from North Texas State College in Denton.

In 1955 in Brownwood, Vaudene began her long career as an educator teaching Home Economics. Vaudene spent much of her career in Mercedes TX, becoming Head of the Home Economics department. Over the years, she taught many young women how to cook, sew and run a home.

After leaving Mercedes, the Pruitt family settled in Mineral Wells. Vaudene transitioned to teaching computer science at Lamar Junior High. She was at the forefront of incorporating computers in school curriculums. Vaudene retired from teaching in 1995.

Throughout her life Vaudene was active in many clubs and organizations. For 59 years, she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international educators organization. She served as President of the Mineral Wells chapter and held other offices as well. She will always be remembered for her enthusiasm for hosting meetings in her home and being a gracious hostess.

Vaudene was a devoted member of the Palo Pinto Retired Teachers Association for over 30 years and served as President and as a Vice-President for several years. She was a tireless advocate for education issues at the state and local levels, making sure current and retired teachers’ benefits were protected.

Vaudene was very passionate about the summer lunch program for students in need and the annual drive to provide new teachers with classroom supplies. Another project she supported was traveling around Palo Pinto county to small rural schools to deliver books. She believed that every child should have a book of their own. Her dear friend and retired teacher, Robbie Pearson, was always at her side for these endeavors.

Vaudene also enjoyed being a member of the Mineral Wells Womans Club for over 20 years.

As a volunteer, Vaudene kept busy in retirement with Meals On Wheels and the Palo Pinto General Hospital Auxiliary where she volunteered weekly at the hospital for over 10 years.

Once Vaudene moved to Lakewell Assisted Living, she participated in every activity available and encouraged others to join in. Her personal mission was to assist residents and to be helpful to staff. She approached this with the same commitment as her volunteer activities. Her deep regret, as she became less mobile, was that she could not do more to help people.

Vaudene lived a life of selfless service and helping others. One thing Vaudene was known for was always asking everyone….family and friends alike …What can I do for you?

Vaudene is survived by daughters Brenda Love (husband Wade) and Betty Pruitt, brother Elton McDonald (wife Benita) and nieces Rhonda DuPriest-Estes, Cindy Wyckoff and Kristi Taylor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Mutt Pruitt, her parents, Valree and Buster McDonald of Comanche and sister Julia DuPriest of Brady and brother Preston Coyce McDonald of Comanche.

A graveside service will be held at Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood, Texas on October 2, 2025, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palo Pinto County Retired Teachers, Benita Smiddy, treasurer , 1 Cliff Dr, Mineral Wells, Texas 76067.