December 14, 2021

Linn County News

Published Dec. 15, 2021

On Dec. 8, 2021, Naomi Ione (Pruitt) Cosens left this world to join her beloved husband, Floyd. This day was the eighth anniversary of Floyd’s passing, thus completing the best love story that’s ever been lived. 

On July 30, 1924, Naomi was born to Pleasant and Myrtle Pruitt. She was the second child and first girl. Naomi was a smart cookie. She attended school in Prescott and after graduating high school went on to study at Fort Scott Community College in the secretarial program. While in high school, Floyd caught her eye because “he was the most handsome boy in town!” She must have caught his eye too. They were married Dec. 29, 1943, the first marriage in Sacred Heart Church in Mound City, Kan. They loved each other deeply, and from this union came four daughters, Janie (Bill) Noel, Laurie (Jack) Moore, Connie (L.M.) Krull, and Julie (Bob) Tholen. They have 15 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and later this month, a great-great-grandbaby will be born. These families will carry on the family traditions. 

She was a proud member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church Altar Society. During the girls’ time in school, Naomi held several offices in the PTA. Once all the girls were in school, she worked side by side with Floyd at the lumber yard, keeping his books. Besides making most of the girls’ clothes, she spent hours hand sewing quilt blocks. It was rumored she could have been one of the best quilters this side of Kansas City. Each daughter has one of the quilts, which they cherish. For the grandchildren, she made a baby quilt for their first child. Naomi loved shopping, and Christmas was her favorite season of the year. She was an avid gardener who had a secret for growing the best corn known to man. She loved to can all vegetables, and the ketchup she made is a treasured family recipe. 

Throughout the past several years, Naomi was cared for by Carolyn Whitten in her own home. Carolyn was a blessing and became part of their family. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John; and her beloved Floyd. She is also survived by her sister, Peggy Pruitt. She lived a long and fruitful life, touched many people with her kindness and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Mound City, Kan. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The rosary will be prayed 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, followed by visitation until 8 p.m. at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Pleasanton Chapel.

Contributions are suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Good Shepherd Hospice, c/o Schneider Funeral Home, P.O. Box 525, Pleasanton, Kan. 66075.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.