Annie Leta (Tankersley) Pruitt, 86, of Mertzon passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, in Kerrville Texas in the home of her son. She was born in San Angelo, Texas to Max and Aletha (Ty) Tankersley on January 11, 1940. Annie graduated from Mertzon High School in 1958, attended Tarleton State College and Mary Hardin Baylor University. Annie received her Master’s, became an educator, and taught ESL and Special Education in several regional schools surrounding San Angelo.
Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Max Orel (Sr.) and Aletha Mae (Faught) Tankersley, her brother, Max O. Tankersley (Jr.), sister, Patricia Sue (Tankersley) Sims, and special friend, Elgin Glass.
Survivors include her son, Patrick E. Pruitt, and wife Lori, grandson, Jess Pruitt and wife Beth, and granddaughters, Peyton Pruitt, and Logan Pruitt. Annie is also survived by lights-in-her-heart, great-grandsons, Eli, Grady, and River Pruitt. Additional survivors include her siblings, Gary Tankersley, Neil Tankersley and Cindy Tankersley McCammon, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Annie was fiercely independent (some thought stubborn!) yet had a gentle, quiet spirit. She took pleasure in simple things life naturally offered: a fresh producing garden, a coop with laying hens, the company of a good dog, and never relinquished her love of horses. Above all, Annie loved her family and enjoyed their presence.
Annie loved and read many books, quick to point out a storyline which was dragging too slowly for her taste. Her sly sense of humor delivered one-liners with impeccable timing. She had an infectious giggle and lively delivery which was sometimes as provocative as it was funny. There wasn't a game of 42 offered that she ever refused; she and Elgin enjoyed playing the game, often luring in nieces, nephews, unsuspecting in-laws, anyone that would play under the trees outside around a bar-b-que, or inside a cozy kitchen.
A memorial service and celebration of Annie's life will be held 10:30 am, Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the Mertzon Methodist Church, 105 West Juanita Avenue, Mertzon, TX 76941. Honorary pallbearers will be Neil Tankersley, Gary Tankersley, Mike McCammon, Jeff Tankersley, Will Tankersley, Weir Tankersley, Michael and Alex McCammon.
Our family has sincere gratitude and appreciation for the gentle and gracious medical attention provided by Dr. Kerri Truelock, Dr. Kelly Pelton, Dr. Ralph Fritzsch, and Dr. Rebecca Barrington (all of Kerrville) and special thanks to Embrace Hospice (also of Kerrville).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choosing.
Rest in peace, Grannie. We know you will be watching over us.
We love you.