Obituary of Thelma L. Pruette

Thelma Pruette, nee Coates, 82, of Pennsville, New Jersey passed away on November 4th, 2020. Thelma was born to Thomas and Twila Coates on June 11th, 1938. She graduated from Salem High School. Many will remember that Thelma cooked and bartended for Wild Oaks Country Club, Salem Country Club, the Garwood House in Salem and Rat's Bar in Pennsville. In recent years she sold real estate for American Dream Realty. Thelma volunteered for many local organizations including the Elsinboro VFW, the Salem Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Penns Grove Rotary. She knitted lap blankets for Meals on Wheels and made lunches for Habitat for Humanity. She was famous for her delicious caramel apples and made many beautiful birthday cakes for friends and family. She was a wonderful cook. Thelma loved her family. She was kind, caring, fun-loving and ornery. She had a heart of gold and will be missed by many! She is survived by her loving husband, John Pruette, of Pennsville, her brother Thomas Coates; her children Sandra Kennedy (John), John Woolman (Ellen); grandchildren Ryan Woolman, Tonya Gibson (Jeff), Shannon Woolman, Jessica Hughes (Ben), and Olivia Woolman; great grandchildren, Kayla, Serenity, Angelina, Liam and Suttyn. She is preceded in death by her husband John M. Woolman, her parents Tom and Twila, and her brother Terry Coates. A private gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: VFW Post 253 - Elsinboro, 20 Phillip Drive, Salem, NJ 08079. www.laughreyfuneralhome.com