Kay Barbara (Weeks) Prouty, age 74, of Redwood Falls died peacefully at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar on Thursday, June 5, 2014 after a yearlong battle with cancer. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 11 at the First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls. Visitation is 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 10 AT THE CHURCH and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Interment is in the Redwood Falls Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Kay Barbara (Weeks) Prouty was born November 20, 1939 in New Ulm, Minnesota to Norval and Leila (Blanchard) Weeks. She was baptized and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls. Kay graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1957, and furthered her education at Mankato State where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After college, Kay was personally hired as a Kindergarten teacher by Reede Gray himself. On December 22, 1962, Kay was united in marriage to Jim Prouty at the Presbyterian Church in Luverne, Minnesota. Following their marriage, Kay and Jim moved to Sleepy Eye and then New Ulm, and Kay taught at both cities. In 1968, Kay and Jim returned to Redwood Falls, and Kay took some time away from teaching to raise her family and care for her mother. During this time, she also did a lot of volunteer work. Kay returned to teaching in 1986 at the Morton Public School, and she later helped establish and also taught at Morton Charter School and Eci’ Nompa Woonspe’ Charter School. She made great connections with the students, and could see the potential in every one of them. Kay worked hard to help students graduate who were the first in their families to do so. She was their advocate and cheerleader, and the students affectionately called her “Ms. P.” After all of her teaching success and accomplishments, Kay retired in 2006. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Bridge Clubs, and Audacia Study Club where she enjoyed helping with the flower planters downtown Redwood Falls, and the Tour of Homes. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls where she was very active and loved her church family. She was a member of the Ruth Circle. She served the church as an Adult Bible Study teacher, Release Time teacher, and Sunday school teacher, and she was ordained as an Elder and Deacon. In her younger days she enjoyed snowmobiling and horseback riding. She enjoyed being by the lake in the summer. Kay loved the TV show, “The Voice,” and recently got the opportunity to attend a Blake Shelton concert. In her spare time, Kay loved to garden, and found great enjoyment in flower gardening. She was a big animal lover. At the age of 15, Kay received her horse, Teco, whom she had until she was 41 years old. She loved going to antique stores and collecting antique dishes. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. She liked playing board games and cards especially, “Hearts.” She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a care giver to loved ones that became sick. Kay never missed a chance to attend all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and events. She embodied wisdom, determination, love, and respect for others. She taught by example.
She leaves to cherish her memory four sons: the Rev. Scott (Pamela) Prouty of Redwood Falls, David (Shari) Prouty of Lakeville, MN, Brent (Cathy) Prouty of Redwood Falls, and Nathan (Beth) Prouty of Apple Valley, MN; nine grandchildren: Katelyn, Kylie, Jacob, Elizabeth, Jade, Julia, Logan, Matthew, and Reagan; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Prouty, parents Norval and Leila Weeks, and a sister Shirley Fruechte.
I am very sorry to hear about your loss the family is in my thoughts and prayers..she was such a nice and sweet lil lady one of my favorite teachers..i will always remember her..you will never be forgotten ?MRS.PROUTY?
Our deepest sympathies to all the members of the Prouty family at this time of loss. Kay is now at rest with other loved and cherished family members and friends, the struggle is over. Her memories will live on in your hearts and minds, and we Pray you are able to find comfort in them. Cherish all that made your lives with her complete.
Our condolences to Kay’s family. She will be in our prayers.
I was very sorry to hear about Kay’s passing. She was a wonderful person and an awesome teacher. Like her obituary said she encouraged all of her students. My oldest son, Jeremiah, said she was the one who got him to finish as she encouraged and told him he could do it. She taught all 4 of my boys and we worked together at Eci’ Nompa Woonspe Charter School. I was on the school board. She also taught my son, Dane, in Kindergarten. Her love for her “children” was awesome and they and I will always remember her. Her legacy of teaching and caring for children will live on forever in their hearts, as well as mine. R.I.P. Mrs. P. (Kay) <3
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. May you be blessed with the many memories you have of her and be comforted in knowing she is with the Lord!
Gayle Wordes
My sincerest sympathies on the death of your mother, aunt, grandmother. I will miss her friendly greeting and warm smile that were always waiting for me when I visited the First Presybterian Church. I imagine there will be quite a few people that will miss her oyster soup at the Christmas Eve service, too. Thankfully, you have a so many precious memories to carry with you forever. Praying that God wraps your family in his loving arms and guides you through this time of sorrow.
We’re so sorry to hear of Kay’s death. She has been a real trouper these last few months. I had Kay in Home Ec her senior year (Mary Jo), and what I remember most about her then was her lovely wardrobe. She was always so beautifully groomed and color coordinated. We will be out of town tomorrow but will be keeping you all close to our hearts in prayer these next few weeks, especially. Mary Jo and Henry Boots
Sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. I will be making a lumanaria and placing it on the track for Redwood County Relay For Life in her memory from our family.
Sending my sympathy to you all at this time of loss. I can’t say enough about your Mother….I was blessed to get to know her during Jim’s illness, while he was is in the hospice program. Her courage and calm manner were amazing to me.
Since that time, we where fortunate to work on the Charter school in Morton together and became good friends.
I last spoke with her on May 25th thanks to Nathan getting us reconnected. Knowing Kay has been one of life’s greatest joys. God bless you all. I know she will be watching over you.