Betty Ann (Johnson) Prunty, 91, died Feb. 23, 2025, surrounded by family, at the Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after a fall in her home of more than 50 years in Brookings, SD.
She was born Jan. 28, 1934, the third of six daughters to Alvin M. and Anna C. (Larsen) Johnson.
While raising five children, Betty worked as a secretary, a thesis typist and a paralegal. Betty was the first woman commissioner for the City of Brookings, SD. In 1990, she jumped in the race for mayor of Brookings and while she didn’t win, the voice she gave power to long endured. She also served as the executive director of the Brookings Area United Way and was committed to its cause of doing good for others.
Betty loved her pets, and her husband always teased that if it was possible, he would choose to come back as one of her beloved cats and dogs. She was not only an ardent advocate for animals, but she was also among the loudest that all people must be housed and fed. She was committed to justice which prompted her to take reporters around Brookings to show how hard it was to get around in a wheelchair. She never shied away from good trouble.
Betty’s greatest love and passion were her family and friends. She loved unconditionally and there was nothing more important to her than those she cared for and about. Betty was kind and generous and cared about the feelings of others. She also had a knack for fun – she loved to play Scrabble, work puzzles, and solve crosswords. Anyone in her home would always feel welcome, be fed, and laugh (a lot).
Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 65 years, Roger. She is survived by her five children: Steve, Stephanie, Robin, Jackie, and Susan, and their beautiful families; 1 sister, Shari Parsons, and numerous relatives, neighbors, and friends, all whom she loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brookings Area Humane Society, the Dougherty Hospice House, or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of life will be held for Betty at 3 p.m. on Tuesday April 8, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.
