This is a sad time for the SKIL Resource Center and the many people with disabilities whose lives our beloved co-founder, Jeanette Pruitt, touched over the years. Jeanette and her sister Marty Wooten co-founded SKIL in 1992 after becoming concerned that people with disabilities in the area had major life needs not being met. They petitioned the state of Kansas to open an independent living center. SKIL is in existence today because of these two selfless, visionary sisters.

Jeanette was a tough, tireless advocate for people with disabilities and had her own disabled condition. She waged her final, hard-fought battle against it on January 10, 2021 at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center. She was only 68 years old at the time of her death.

Jeanette was the inspiration behind the advocacy that formed SKIL. Her work to establish our agency led to the work we have done to help thousands of people with disabilities. She was always an advocate and spent many hours travelling to Topeka and Washington to push the independent living agenda. Jeanette loved SKIL, and SKIL loved her. She and Marty were also founding SKIL board members who faithfully served for 19 years before retiring in 2011.

We will deeply miss Jeanette and all that she stood for. Her heart, and her incredible legacy to people with disabilities and the entire southeast Kansas area, will live on as we continue her vision and mission to serve.

Love, Shari