Joan May Pruett

JOAN MAY PRUETTNovember 11, 1931 – March 1, 2026Joan May (née Allsman) Pruett was born on November 11, 1931 to Frances and Walter Allsman and went home to be with Our Lord on March 1, 2026.Joanie was born in Denver, Colorado and her family made their way to Randsburg and ultimately Bakersfield where she grew up. She attended Standard School (where she first met the love of her life Paul Pruett) Kern County Union High School, Bakersfield Jr College and graduated from the University of California Berkeley in 1953. She started teaching 1st grade in September and in December she and "her Corkie" were married. They went from Virginia to Camp Pendleton with the Marine Corps and settled in Bakersfield to raise their three children. They were married over 70 years and had the kind of profound and tangible love most people only aspire to.Joanie and Corkie traveled extensively and were avid history buffs. Joanie was incredibly well read and loved a good debate (about anything)! She was a fabulous hostess who always enjoyed having family and friends over and throwing huge and wonderful parties. She was equally famous for her pies and Christmas cookies. She loved Christmas so much she created "Santa's secret North Pole" under the staircase. It stayed up all year and was magic to her grandkids, especially, but to everyone really. She was amazing at everything she tried but her true passion was her family. She doted on them all and they all adored her!She was kind, fun, beautiful, compassionate and loving all while possessing a feisty streak. She loved winter, the peace of the early morning, the rain, her beagles, and summer walks on the beach collecting seashells. Joanie was the epitome of grace and class. We miss her so much.Joan was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Frances Allsman, her brother Walt Allsman and her beloved husband Cork. She is survived by her children David (Christy) Pruett, Carol (Bill) Muxlow, Steven (Megan) Pruett, 10 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.Services are pending. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice or give your family the gift of your time. Take them out to dinner or just sit and tell family stories they may not have heard.www.bakersfield.com/obits