GLENS FALLS – Elizabeth Eugenia “Betty Jean” (Terris) Pruess, 70, passed away after a long battle with a prolonged illness, at Glens Falls Hospital on Thursday, April 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving children, Erin and John.
Betty Jean was born March 30, 1955, in Somerville, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Metro Terris and Catherine (Manning) Terris. She was the oldest of five children and graduated from Somerville High School in 1973. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1977 from the College Misericordia in Dallas, Pennsylvania. Before starting her family, Betty Jean worked at various physicians’ offices, and as her family grew older, she ended her career as a visiting nurse for the Albany Visiting Nurses Association.
Betty Jean married the love of her life, Steven Charles Pruess on a warm summer day, July 25, 1987, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Somerville, New Jersey. Her three children kept her busy, most notably as a coach, and fan of the Glens Falls Recreation soccer and softball teams, as well as a Girl Scout leader. More than anything else, Betty Jean prided herself on being a devoted mother, making sure she showed her children how much they were loved and passing along all her teachings about this world.
She enjoyed spending summers traveling to the Jersey Shore to visit her family, as well as camping at Paradox Lake, where her kitchen table would not only be wreathed by family, but also with cherished neighbors and friends who were willing to make the trip just to enjoy time together and create memories.
Betty Jean enjoyed taking her children to endless county fairs, as well as sitting on the sidelines of Glen Street watching countless parades as her children passed by. She spent many summer mornings sitting by Gurney Lane pool watching her children’s swimming lessons and always played the “oldies” station on the radio. She was an avid card player and taught her children the art of Gin Rummy – many evenings at Paradox Lake were spent in friendly competition as her children grew older. She never hesitated to stop and chat with familiar faces in town and share about her children’s achievements.
She was predeceased by her father, Metro, mother, Catherine, brothers, James and Matthew, and sister, Catherine.
Betty Jean is survived by her husband of thirty-seven years, Steven, her son, John Patrick Pruess (Cara), her daughter, Erin Elizabeth Rueckert (Ian), beloved grandson, Beckett Kyle Rueckert, and her youngest daughter, Caitlin Marie Pruess.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday April 9, 2025 from 5pm-7pm at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. located at 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at St. Mary’s Church, 62 Warren Street in Glens Falls.
Rite of Committal will follow the mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 225 Main Street, in South Glens Falls.
The family has requested that donations be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting www.stjude.org/give
“When we meet in heaven, a nod and a wink will do. But if you really want, I’d love to hug you” by Steven Pruess.
My son and I spent many happy occasions with Betty, Steve, and their kids. The dinners, conversations, and the games we played are cherished memories. Betty was always open and generous, especially where the kids were concerned and there was always room for one more at her table. She was brave and took her illness in stride, always finding a reason to laugh. She will be missed.
Betty Jean. You were an amazing woman. So talented and full of so much love to give to whomever needed it. I am lucky and forever blessed to have known you, and to have received your help and the help of your family when I needed it most. I hope I was able to return the favor as much as possible before you left this world to move on to a better place. Caitlin loves you, she tried so hard to be there with you towards to the end, she wishes she could have been there by your side. You are loved. And truly missed.