Denise Kay Pruett Waters, 68, of Tontitown, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Denise was born on September 24, 1957, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of Jack and Kay (Webb) Pruett. Denise was the most loving and dedicated mother, grandmother and educator. She attended Harding Academy, in Searcy, for junior high and high school before continuing her education at Harding College, where she began preparing for a career in education. She later attended the University of Arkansas, furthering her studies in school counseling and educational administration.
As a teacher, counselor, and principal, Denise had a true love and passion for helping children succeed and grow. She touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the communities she served. She truly loved each and every child that came into her life no matter if it was a random child in the grocery store or an orphan in Zambia.
More than any accomplishment, Denise treasured her family. She found her greatest joy in being a wife, mother, and grandmother, and she poured her love into every moment spent with those she cherished most.
She enjoyed reading, quilting, cross stitching, needle pointing, crocheting, gardening, hiking, naps, road trips in the Ozarks and any chance to be with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Pruett, her mother, Kay Pruett, and her brother, George Pruett.
Denise is survived by her loving husband, Randy Waters; her children, Dustin Sprague, Dasha Faires and husband Daniel, Dylan Sprague and wife Felicia, Carli McCartney and husband Tyler; her stepson, Aaron Sprague; and her cherished grandchildren, Colton Sprague, Miles Sprague, Madelyn Kay Sprague, Boone Faires, Jed Faires, Callen Sprague, Laedyn Kay Sprague, Brooke Sprague, Rayleigh Sprague, Rylan Sprague, Greyson Sprague, William McCartney, Annalee Grace McCartney.