James P. Pruitt
James P. Pruitt II went home to his heavenly savior on August 27, 2024, with his loving wife, Judy, at his side at their family home in Sequim. He was 79 years old.
Jim will always be remembered as a “gentle giant,” who was always ready to lend a hand to strangers or friends alike. He had a deep, abiding love for God’s word and loved sharing it whenever he could. He was a faithful member of Sequim Bible Church.
Jim was born in Lake City, Florida to James Pruitt I and Patricia Pruitt. He grew up in a military family, which meant living in several places all over the world. He ended up graduating in Roda, Spain, where his father was serving as a navy pilot.
Jim served 6 years in the Air Force as a hospital lab technician. After leaving the Air Force, he went on to work for TJ Lipton, Birdseye Frozen Foods, New England Fish Company (in Kodiak, Alaska), and settled in Bremerton, Washington working at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, from which he retired in 2015. Upon retiring, he and his wife moved to their retirement home in Sequim.
Jim inherited a love of planes from his father, and loved all manner of vehicles that would go fast. His interests led him to pursue his pilot’s license and acquire racing motorcycles, and boats. Jim, along with his wife, Judy, loved to spend weekends in Oregon attending the Woodburn Drag Strip.
In addition, Jim and Judy traveled the world after falling in love with cruising. They have many memories of the more than 2 dozen cruises they took together. They would often come home with the emails of many of the ship’s staff and kept their friendships alive with them long after the cruises ended.
Jim leaves behind his wife, Judy D. Pruitt, of 43 years. In addition, he is survived by his daughters Coral A. Pruitt of Oregon; Jennifer M. Baker of Arizona; his stepson, Robert J. George of Washington; his sister, Pam Pruitt of Washington, several nieces and nephews, and 10 grandchildren.
Jim’s love of flying and cruises gave birth to the decision to have his ashes spread over the Puget Sound. A small private celebration of life will be held with close friends sometime in the near future.
Doris Meier
September 1932 – August 2024
Sequim resident Doris Meier passed away August 22nd, 2024.
Doris grew up on a farm in rural Alberta, Canada. She received her nursing degree from Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. After nursing school, with steamer trunks in tow, Doris and her friends sailed off for a tour of Europe. She then worked in Canada and Alaska before moving to San Francisco in the 1950s.
While working in San Francisco, she met and married Helmut Meier. They were married 60 years and had two daughters. They lived in the San Francisco Bay area until the travel bug took them to Saudi Arabia, where they lived for 15 years. While there, the family enjoyed travel and a multitude of outdoor activities such as camping, tennis, snorkeling and sailing. Doris became proficient at bargaining in the outdoor markets. It was always a lively exchange that was fun to watch.
Doris and Helmut retired and moved to Sequim, which Doris thought was paradise.
Gardening and cooking fantastic meals continued to be a passion for Doris. She went for walks and bike rides, and explored the Olympic Peninsula with Helmut, family and visiting friends. Doris and Helmut enjoyed meeting up with their friends at local dances.
Doris had a great sense of humor, a steady presence and was pretty much always in a good mood. Many times she would spontaneously break into song or recite poetry or witty rhymes that she pulled from her amazing memory. She created a warm, loving and welcoming home. We will miss the laughter and Mom’s hugs and affection.
She is survived by her daughters Terry Meier and Jayne Meier (Allan McLaughlin). She is also survived by siblings Margaret, Susan and Nick, and their families, and nephew Wolfgang (Rosemarie). She was preceded in death by her husband Helmut and brothers Ronnie and George.
We invite family and friends of Doris to attend the graveside service which will be held at Sequim View Cemetery on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 1:00.
Gloria Jean Newton
October 29, 1930-July 23, 2024
Photo courtesy of Gloria Jean Newton family / Gloria Jean Newton
Gloria Jean Newton (née Lotzgesell), affectionately known as Glo, passed away on July 23, 2024, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 93. Born in Sequim, Washington, she led a life marked by creativity, compassion, and entrepreneurship.
Gloria’s academic journey began at Sequim High School and progressed through Central Washington University, culminating at the University of Washington. Her professional life was as diverse as it was impressive, spanning architectural, interior, and landscape design, as well as stained glass design. She also shared her knowledge as a college instructor, and her flair for aesthetics was evident during her time as a model. Gloria’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish several businesses, including the “Burien Charm School,” Creative Living” and “Referrals Unlimited.” She was also an inventive mind with several product patents to her name.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Gloria was a devoted mother and a passionate individual. Her hobbies included painting, sewing, fashion design, interior decorating, gardening, and stained glass design. She was an avid traveler and a gracious host, always eager to entertain guests. Gloria’s kindness and generosity extended beyond her immediate circle, as she was also deeply passionate about animals and helping people in need.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Hazel Lotzgesell, and her sisters, Verna Brown and Phyllis Jarmuth. She leaves behind her loving husband, Dr. Gordon C. Newton; her children, Lorece Jay Newton, Erik Gordon Newton, and Dana Elisabeth Utigard; her grandchildren, Allison Newton-Moore, Arista Newton-Moore, Carson Newton, Beck Utigard and Ava Utigard, along with a legacy of love, creativity, and determination that touched many lives.
The family is being assisted by Bonney Watson Funeral Home in Seattle, Washington. Gloria’s life will be celebrated and remembered for the profound impact she had on everyone she met. Her legacy of love, creativity, and perseverance will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Patricia Ellen Gordon
Patricia Ellen Gordon of Sequim died of breast cancer at her home on Aug. 31, 2024.
She was 88.
Gordon was born July 2, 1936.
A memorial is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Carlsborg Family Church, 481 Carlsborg Road.
Sign an online guestbook for the family at drennanford.com.
Robert Orr Cain
Robert Orr Cain of Sequim died of age-related causes at Olympic Medical Center on Sept.4, 2024.
He was 72.
Cain was born Aug. 14, 1952.
There will be no memorial, at his request.
Sign an online guestbook for the family at drennanford.com.
