CERES, Va. — H. Michael “Mike” Pruett, of Ceres, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 14, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Mabel Akers Pruett; brothers, Harold, Russell, Johnny and Billy; and a sister, Madalyn Copley. He was a member of the Elbert Muncy Masonic Lodge # 298, A.F. & A.M., Bland Masonic Lodge #206, A.F. & A.M. and Rocky Gap # 154, Order of the Eastern Star. He loved masonry and attended Wytheville Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, Lynn Commandery, Scottish Riteand Kazim Shriners. Mike was a devout Christian and a member of the Rocky Gap United Methodist Church, a devoted Republican and was to be awarded Bland County Republican of the Year on November 14th by Annie B. Crockett-Stark. He enjoyed hunting and going to Bland County sporting events.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Iris C. Pruett; children, Michael, Sarah, Erin and husband Philip Buttery; grandchildren, Stephanie and Andy Blankenship; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 7:00 p. m. at the Bland Funeral Chapel in Bland, Va. with the Reverend Jeff Callahan officiating.

Graveside service will be held Thursday, November 19th at 11.00 a.m. at the Sharon Lutheran Cemetery in Ceres, Va. Elbert Muncy Masonic Lodge #298, A.F. & A.M will conduct graveside Masonic rites.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until service time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sharon Lutheran Cemetery, c/o Evelyn H. Groseclose, 860 W. Bluegrass Trail, Ceres, VA 24318, Bland County Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 585, Bland, VA 24315, or Bland County Republican Committee, c/o Jack Morgan, 12122 Grapefield Road, Bastian, VA 24314

Highland Bland Funeral Home, Bland, Va. is in charge of the arrangements.

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