John Christopher "Chris" Pruitt

John Christopher “Chris” Pruitt was born on September 19, 1948, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Norma Ann Pruitt (née Valentine) and Pleasant John Pruitt. He passed away on October 17, 2026, at the age of 78, with his beloved wife of 51 years, Ann Pruitt (nee Duster), by his side.

John and Norma started out in Mound City, KS before eventually moving to Mulvane. As the Pruitts grew with the arrival of Chris’s younger sister, Miriam, in 1954, and his brother, Joseph, in 1957, the family eventually made its final home in Wichita, Kansas. The Pruitts were a musical family and Chris excelled at the piano/organ and won several ‘battle of the bands’ helming the lead singer/keyboardist of ‘The Esquires’. Chris attended and graduated from Kapaun Memorial High School, laying the foundation for his future academic pursuits. He began college at Gonzaga University before transferring to Wichita State University, with the intent to study science in order to seek a career in the medical field.

Chris’s dedication to medicine led him to the University of Kansas School of Medicine, where he was accepted to pursue his medical degree. It was there that he met Ann Marie Duster, who was studying to become a nurse. Their paths crossed during their medical training, marking the beginning of a partnership that would span more than five decades.

Chris earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas in 1974 and went on to specialize in otorhinolaryngology, also known as ENT (ear, nose, and throat). Chris and Ann married in 1975 in Kansas City and began building their life together in Wichita. They welcomed their first son, Andrew Christopher, in 1976, followed by their daughter, Katherine Margaret, in 1978, and their daughter, Anna Maria, in 1982. Their family grew once more with the arrival of their fourth child, Benjamin David, in 1987. Chris cherished his role as a father, a commitment that remained at the center of his life alongside his medical career.

At Ann’s encouragement, and with the support of his in-laws, Bill and Audrey Duster, Chris moved with his growing family to Colorado Springs in 1980. There, he established a long and fulfilling medical career, initially practicing independently before becoming a founding member of Colorado ENT and Allergy. Chris dedicated nearly four decades to caring for patients and serving the community before retiring in the summer of 2019.

Throughout his career, Chris cared for thousands of patients and earned a reputation as a skilled and dedicated surgeon. Committed to continuously refining his craft, he pursued ongoing professional development through medical organizations, conferences, and seminars, always striving to provide the best possible care to those he served.

Outside of medicine, Chris enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including cooking, walking the dogs, and going to the movies. He was an avid sports fan, with a particular fondness for watching Wimbledon and cheering on the KU Jayhawks basketball team. Above all, Chris was a passionate Denver Broncos fan who remained devoted to his team through every season, a passion which is shared among his whole family.

A man of many talents, varied interests, and diverse experiences, Chris will be remembered most for his gentle kindness and the deep love and care he showed his family, friends, colleagues and patients. Above all, he was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle and friend, and a devoted and doting husband to Ann. His compassion and warmth touched thousands of lives in the communities where he served, and his greatest legacy will be the love he shared with those closest to him and the lasting memories he leaves behind.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Pleasant John Pruitt; his mother, Norma Ann Pruitt; and his sister, Miriam Rose Madrigal.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann; his younger brother, Joseph, and Joseph’s wife, Diana; and his children: Andrew and his wife, Sonia; Katherine; Anna and her husband, Stephen; and Benjamin and his wife, Michelle. He was a proud grandfather to Isabella, Gabriela, Charles, Mateo, and Lucia, who brought him immense joy and will carry his memory forward.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ is planned for spring 2027, providing family and friends an opportunity to gather, share memories, and honor Chris’s life and legacy.