David Clarke Pruden Sr. passed away January 5th, 2025 surrounded by family members. He peacefully returned home to his Heavenly Father, his Savior, and family members who preceded him.
David was born in Cincinnati, OH on June 20th, 1952 to Charles Clarke Pruden and Vivian Vance. He attended elementary school in Cincinnati prior to moving to Asheville, North Carolina at the age of 12. In 1970 he graduated from Enka High School in Asheville. David was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on April 27, 1974. Three weeks later, he accepted a job offer in Salt Lake City, Utah, and decided to load up his Toyota and “cross the plains” to Utah. He lived in Utah for the remainder of his life.
David met Ramona Guymon while attending a young adult ward and they were married in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on May 9th, 1975. Throughout his life, David served faithfully in numerous church callings, including as a Bishop and a Gospel Doctrine teacher. He always came to love those he served and had a special place in his heart for the primary children and the young men and young women in his ward. He also found a great deal of meaning serving in his role in the Bishopric at the Utah State Prison.
David loved learning, reading, and teaching. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Sociology, and a master’s degree in Human and Family Development from Utah State University. He thoroughly enjoyed working for several years as an adjunct professor at Utah State University. He truly was a master teacher.
David had a successful professional career leading a variety of organizations including his own business and several non-profit organizations. He was most energized when providing help and support to individuals or when advocating for causes he felt were important for future generations.
A dedicated University of Utah fan and football season ticket holder, David rarely missed a home game. He even attended a game only days after a lower limb amputation! He loved traveling to away games, especially bowl games, with one of his fondest memories being the 2009 Sugar Bowl. Utah games were always a special family time. His children fondly remember going to games with their dad when they were younger. For the last several years, David also loved sitting in the stands next to his grandchildren. Go Utes!
David was an enthusiastic trip planner who took his children to many national and LDS church historical sites. His children have fond memories of traveling the country in the back of the family station wagon. But you couldn’t call these adventures a “vacation”, as the days were filled from morning to night with historical sites, museums, and other learning opportunities. The adventures continued later in life as David and Ramona were able to travel to several foreign countries together. He instilled a love of travel in each of his children who have continued this same tradition with their own families.
Following a kidney transplant almost eighteen years ago, David had to deal with a myriad of medical challenges. He and his family are grateful for the dedicated service provided by numerous medical professionals who worked hard to allow David the opportunity to enjoy valuable time with his grandchildren and family.
David is survived by his wife Ramona, sister Doris, and brother Glenn. He is also survived by his beloved children David Clarke Pruden Jr. (Denae), James Gordon Pruden (Brittany), and Anna Marie Pruden Dart (Jeff). One of the greatest joys of his life were his 11 grandchildren: Grace, Emily, Sarah, Rachel, Abi, Noah, Isaac, Eli, Molly, and Ellie Pruden and Eric Dart. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Paul.
A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, UT. A funeral service for family and close friends will follow at 11:00 am.
Video
Guestbook/Condolences
Dear Pruden family,
We were so emotional when we heard that Bishop Pruden had "graduated". He meant a lot to us. Your entire family has been on our minds this week. Ramona, I wish we were close by so that I could give you the biggest hugs. Know that we love you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Hopefully the angels can smile down on your family as you mourn,
Hi Ramona. I'm so sorry for your loss. You're one of my favorite folks and I know that I can say that along with so many of us at the HUB that I'm thinking of you and your family and praying for strength and comfort for you and your family. I read David's obituary and I can see what a strong part of the community and church family that he was and know that he is at his eternal home and in God's care.
When my dad passed, it was sudden and I did a lot of searching to cope with it. I found a poem that has been quoted many times, but is attributed to William Penn, which although I sobbed considerably over it, gave me perspective and a level of peace to think that he's not gone, even though not in my direct sight... just farther along in his journey than I:
"We seem to give them back to Thee, 0 God who gavest them to us.
Yet as Thou didst not lose them in giving, So do we not lose them by their return.
Not as the world giveth, givest Thou 0 Lover of souls. What Thou givest Thou takest not away,
For what is Thine is ours also if we are thine. And life is eternal and love is immortal,
And death is only an horizon, And a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.
Lift us up, strong Son of God that we may see further; Cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly;
Draw us closer to Thyself That we may know ourselves to be nearer to our loved ones who are with Thee.
And while Thou dost prepare a place for us, prepare us also for that happy place,
That where Thou art we may be also for evermore."
William Penn
1644 – 1718
I didn't know Mr. Pruden but have worked with his wife for many years. To Ramona and Family, my deepest condolences to you. Ramona, I am deeply in gratitude for all the love and kindness you showed me while I was in the hospital after my own amputation of my lower limb and the understanding and compassion you have as a divine daughter of our Heavenly Father. I know you talked deeply of the love you had for your husband and the experience he went through. May you find peace in this moment of time. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Hi Ramona, this is not a work question. I just heard this news and I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. Thank you for sharing with me how you met each other, these stories will always help you when your heartaches. He will always be with you. The same goes with all of us work family members. We are all here for you.
Dear Ramona
I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss.
Prayers for you and your family.
If there is any thing you ever need, please let me know.
He was a great and honorable man. I really enjoyed reading all of his accomplishments and love he shared while on this earth.
"well done my faithful Servant" is truly earned for this noble gentleman
Ramona, is an extremely competent and ethical colleague. Our thoughts and prayers travel with her and her family during this difficult transition. May his memory be eternal.
Our hearts are saddened to hear of Dave's passing. We love him and the things he taught us about being caring, considerate people. We loved hearing him teach in Sunday School- sharing so much historical as well as cultural information along with the spiritual Gospel message. He will be missed by all who love him and each of you.
My condolences to Ramona and family. I served with David for many years on the board of trustees and grew to love David. He was dedicated to many causes and influenced the lives of many thousands of people. His work and love for others was incredible.
What a wonderful man what a legacy he has left. I always loved being in his class and learning from him. And learning about the Savior love you, David
Dear Ramona and the whole Pruden Family,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. We have always enjoyed the occasions we have been able to spend with your family, and David Sr. was always a highlight of those times. We know he is missed, but are grateful for the knowledge we have that he is now laughing, running, and enjoying his time with those who have gone on before. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Love,
Dave and Marian Mohlman
Dear Prudens,
We send our Love and Condolences. Your Dad, husband and Grandpa was such a good man, and so enjoyable to be around. I will miss his good cheer and uplifting spirit. I remember him for his kindness and good humor.
May you all recieve the Comfort you need right now. May David enjoy new freedom without the physical challenges he faced later in life.
We Love You All, and are thinking of you with tenderness.
Our Best, Michael Lambert
Dear Ramona, I just seen David,'s obituary. I had no idea that he passed away. I am so sorry to you and your family. I seen his obituary after the services had started. I would have been there had I have known. You and David are the best neighbors and I love you both. love, Linda
Jamie. I send my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your father. He was a good man.
Jamie. I send my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your father. He was a good man.
Jamie. I send my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your father. He was a good man.
Ramona, was sad to hear of David’s passing. May your faith sustain you in this difficult time. Charles Beverly Melanie and Darwin.
David was a leader and a kind man. He went the extra mile for many years. He will be missed.
Brent and Jan Scharman
I'm so sorry for your loss. Brother Pruden was always gave a huge smile and hug at church to me and my family. All my love to you and your family.