Funeral services for Maria Pritchett, 80, of Purcell were held Monday, April 15, 2024 at the Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel. Interment followed at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell under the direction of  the Wilson-Little Funeral Home of Purcell.

Mrs. Pritchett passed away April 10, 2024.

Maria Vasquez was born in Seville, Spain on September 8, 1943. She spent her early years in Spain, until she met a young serviceman named Billy Joe Pritchett who was stationed there. They fell in love but sadly, Billy Joe had to return home.

He realized he’d left part of his heart in Spain, and returned there to marry Maria on March 1, 1968. They settled in Purcell, and called it home ever since.

In 1982, Maria and Billy Joe took over his parents’ restaurant, Pritchett’s Café, and successfully ran it until 2017 when Maria retired. She became a U.S. Citizen in 1992 and was proud of the life she had built here. She was known for her delicious Spanish chicken and rice, and could often be found spending time with her friends at Rubys.

Maria was a proud mother and grandmother who cherished her family deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Pritchett.

Maria is survived by her children, Angie Clark and Brett of Pauls Valley, Billie Pritchett of Purcell, Maria Lynn Pritchett and Brandon Shaw of Purcell, Manuella Vasquez of Spain, Jose Vasquez of Spain and Meilio Vasquez of Paris, France; sister-in-law Betty Sue Vickery of Norman, and her grandchildren Sierra and Samantha, Rebecca, Bailea Joe and Dylan, Zane, Maximus Joe and Atticus; one great-granddaughter, Izabella Joe and her special friend, Steven Bebout.

Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.