September 5, 1941 – February 14, 2025
Judith Gail Ortolani Pruitt, beloved mother, Nannie and G-Nannie , passed away peacefully on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, in Friendswood, Texas, surrounded by her loving family.
Judy was born on September 5, 1941, in Huntington, New York, to Art and Ella Ortolani. From a young age, she felt called into ministry through her involvement in the Church. However, at that time, the church did not ordain women. Still, with a determined heart and unwavering faith, Judy pursued her calling. As a young lady, she began attending Berean College in Dallas, where her journey into ministry deepened.
Judy met her future husband, Noy Pruitt, while at Berean College. They later married and had three wonderful children, Kristy, Kelly, and Kevin.
While Judy and Noy were serving at Rusk First United Methodist Church, Noy received a letter from his District Superintendent about the need for local pastors to serve rural churches.
Judy saw the letter, and the call to ministry within her was rekindled. She made an appointment and began the process of becoming a Local Pastor. From then on she faithfully served and pastored at multiple Methodist Churches with her husband, Noy.
In addition to her ministry, Judy had a deep passion for Christian education. She served for 40 years in schools all over Texas as a teacher, administrator, and a school board member. No matter where she and Noy were called to pastor, she would seek out a Christian school nearby where she could teach, believing that shaping young hearts and minds with the love of Christ was a vital part of her calling. While she taught all subjects, her love for teaching Bible class was her favorite. Her students were blessed not only by her wisdom and grace but also by the kindness and encouragement she poured into every classroom she entered.
Judy was also committed to furthering her education. She later attended Texas A&M and finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Andersonville Seminary.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Ella Ortolani, and the love of her life, Noy Pruitt. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and grace in the lives of her children, Kristy and Jeb Montgomery, Kelly and Scott Niemeier, and Kevin Pruitt. She was a proud and devoted Nannie to Zoey and Parker Richardson, Micah and Abby Niemeier, Destiny Niemeier, Colin Niemeier, Kanon Niemeier, and Kendal Montgomery and joyful G-Nannie to Saint and Margot Richardson.
Judy’s life was a testament to the power of answering God’s call, even when the path was unclear. Her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, and loving guidance will be deeply missed but forever remembered by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched through her ministry.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at LS Church, 1407 Victory Ln., Alvin, TX 77511 at 1pm on Saturday, February 22, 2025 followed by a reception at Highpoint Insurance Group, 4300 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX 77546. In honor of Judy loving pink, feel free to add a pop of pink to your outfit.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to HighPoint Church Missions. You can do so at the link here —
