Rosalia Rataj Prueitt, September 20, 1938 – Good Friday, April 3, 2026 · Age 87
Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, theater lover, world traveler, and card player, passed from this life on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, at the age of 87. Those who loved her could not help but smile at the timing — Rose lived her whole life in devotion to others and to her Catholic faith, and it seems only fitting that she would depart on one of the most sacred days of the Christian calendar. She couldn’t have planned it better herself, although knowing Rose, she absolutely would have tried.
Born September 20, 1938, to Helen & Joseph Rataj, she grew up in South St. Louis. She attended Epiphany Catholic Church for grade school, St. Elizabeth’s for High School, and St. John’s Nursing School. Her early years were rich in the things that she treasured most, family time and playing sports for her church and high school.
She married Larry Prueitt in 1959 and they settled into family life with five kids in their first eight years of marriage. Hard work was on constant display for their kids, with Rose often working night shifts for many years. This allowed her to be active in her kids’ lives. She was a girl scout leader and volleyball coach for many years and never missed a game her kids were playing.
Rose answered the call to nursing early in life and never looked back. Over a span of more than 30 years, most of her career was spent Nursing at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kirkwood. In her final years as a nurse she enjoyed home healthcare and had a special affection for entering her patients’ homes and serving their families. Several years later, her daughter Mary followed her footsteps into the nursing profession. Rose also has four granddaughters who have dedicated themselves to the health care field— a living testament to the kind of inspiration she was.
Rose was a competitor and an avid card player. Those who played cards with her knew that she was not going to take it easy on anyone. Competitive to her core, Rose brought intensity to the card table and played to win — usually succeeding. She made it fun. She also made you work for it.
Rose loved to travel and, by last count, had visited four continents, 25+ countries, and every state in the U.S. She traveled extensively with her family and after retirement, traversed much of the country with her dear brother-in-law and sister, Ron and Therese Miller, in their RV. Much of her international travel was enjoyed with close friends as they planned various cruises and chased the next adventure.
Every summer, Rose found her way to The Muny in Forest Park, often with her daughters and grandkids. She had a passion for theater and routinely traveled to see her favorite shows performed on stage. From Phantom of the Opera to the Sound of Music, she never missed an opportunity to enjoy musicals with those she loved.
Her Catholic faith was central to her life. It shaped how she nursed, how she mothered, and how she experienced the joys and sorrows of this world. She prayed faithfully, lived charitably, and trusted completely in the Lord. That she departed on Good Friday — the day we reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross — feels less like coincidence and more like a final, perfect grace. A life spent giving, ended on the day set aside to honor the greatest gift ever given.
She is survived by her five children, Stephanie Hansen, Joe Prueitt, Mary (Doug) Marks, Barbara (Kevin) Camden, Alice (Bill) Lawrence, 14 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren who will all grow up hearing her story. Preceded in death by her parents, Helen & Joseph Rataj, her sister Sr. Joanne Rataj, and brothers, Jim Rataj and John Rataj, Larry Prueitt, and son-in-law Jeffery Hansen. She is survived by her sister Therese (Ron) Miller. Dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many.
Family and friends are encouraged to support Rose’s family at a Visitation at Kutis Funeral Home – Affton at 10151Gravois Rd, St Louis MO 63123 on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 4 – 8pm and a Celebration of Life at Mass on Saturday April 11, 2026 10:00am @ St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 9740 Sappington Road.
What a beautiful testament to the way Aunt Rosie “travelled” through her God-centered life, enjoying everything from family, nature, different cultures, theater, sports, and card games from Aggravated Rummy to Oh Hell! Have fun reuniting with Grandma, Grandpa, Sister Joanne, Uncle Jim, Uncle John, and Uncle Larry in heaven! Love ya, Susie