Viva was born on January 7, 1930, in Blue Ridge, Texas, to Pink Aubry Myrick and Annie Lee McGuffey Myrick, the fourth of six children. On her 18th birthday, she married Charles (Charlie) Merton Pruett. After living in Farmersville for a year, they moved to Dallas, where they lived until 1994. Then they moved to North Richland Hills to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and David, and their grandchildren and all their activities.

Viva and Charlie bought a farm in Verona in 1967, and, despite the work, they enjoyed spending time there, especially being able to regularly visit (and play games with) Viva’s sisters. Summers at the farm included canning and freezing the many vegetables from their garden.

Viva had several jobs over the years. First, she worked at Chance Vought until Debbie’s birth. Next, Viva and her sister, Pauline Todd, went to cosmetology school together and then worked as beauticians. Later, Viva worked in the office at South Oak Cliff High School. Viva’s last employer was Dr. Fred Ciarochi, whom she thoroughly enjoyed working for and maintained a friendship with for the almost 40 years since her retirement.

Perhaps Viva’s greatest joy came with the birth of her beloved grandchildren, Steven and Jenny. Viva and Charlie made multiple trips from Dallas to North Richland Hills to attend all the various sporting events and programs, prompting them to move to North Richland Hills in 1994.

Viva also loved playing games. She instilled the love of games in the next generations of her family as well. She was also a wonderful seamstress and made almost all of Debbie’s clothes throughout her childhood. She lovingly made beautiful Christmas stockings for her family.

Viva was active at Southwood United Methodist Church for many years before moving to North Richland Hills. After their move, she and Charlie became members of Smithfield United Methodist Church.

Upon moving to North Richland Hills, Viva and Charlie started exercising at least five days a week at the NRH Recreation Center. After exercising each day, they joined their friends playing games or just sitting around, drinking coffee, and visiting.

Viva was predeceased by her loving husband of 74 years, Charlie Pruett, as well as her parents, Pink and Annie Myrick; brothers Doyce Myrick and Aubry Myrick; and sisters Jean Stroup and Theresa Braswell.

Viva is survived by her daughter, Debbie (David) Dodson of North Richland Hills; grandchildren Steven (Casee) Dodson and Jenny (Travis) Ballard of Dallas; great-grandchildren Everly, Hayes, and Larkin Dodson of Dallas; sister Pauline Todd of Verona; along with many beloved nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

We wish to thank her caregivers at The Carlyle, as well as her niece Brenda Ewing and friend Jane Kewley, who have faithfully visited her.