Prudence Leone (Switzer) Grunkemeyer 94, died Monday, July 25, 2011.

She was born to Esther Ann (Waugh) and Wayne J. Switzer in Sheridan October 31, 1916. She grew up living on several ranches in the Sheridan area. She completed school at S.H.S and began teaching via the Normal Training program at the age of sixteen.

Prudence married George Grunkemeyer in 1941. He died leaving a legacy as a photographer film maker, and outdoor writer. After his death she continued in photography at Vacationland Studio. She was one of Sheridan’s first business women, continuing her work well into her ‘80’s.

Family was always foremost in her life. Her children Bill and Barbara (Farr) blessed her with four wonderful grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Prudence was always viewed by her large extended family as "The Matriarch" the glue that bound them together.

Prudence also was extremely active on numerous boards and committees. She was the first woman elected to the Sheridan College Board and also served on several advisory boards at the University of Wyoming. Additionally, she was an active member for many years on the Sheridan Planning Commission. Cowbells was another of her favorite organization.

Prudence was preceded in death by her husband, George and her son, Bill; by her parents and brothers Dean, Bob, and Jack.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Farr, daughter in-law Carol Grunkemeyer, brothers Kenneth, and Bill, and sisters Mary Lynn Toland, Frances Brewster, and Nancy Haynes. She adored her four grandchildren Gillian and Cory (Adriane) Grunkemeyer, Britt Marshall, and Tyler Ann (Ryan) Prall, and great-granddaughter Addelyn Prall. Numerous nieces and nephews were also extremely close to her throughout the years and she cherished each and every one of them.

Prudence valued and treasured the amazing friendships that she made over the years. She was admired and loved. Prudence’s beautiful soul will live on with all the remarkable memories she built throughout her extraordinary life.

A Rosary for Prudence will be held at 6:00pm on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Kane Funeral Home. Services for Prudence will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father Ron Stolcis officiating. Inurnment will be at the Sheridan Elks Memorial Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sheridan County Fulmer Library at 335 W. Alger St., Sheridan, WY 82801, Sheridan College Foundation at PO Box 6328, Sheridan, WY 82801 or to the donors choice.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has be entrusted with the arrangements.

The Sheridan Press - July 27, 2011.