Inna L. Pruss, beloved mother, daughter, sister, friend, and caregiver, passed away surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, strength, and selflessness that will live on through everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born in Ukraine, Inna moved to the United States with her family in 2000. Together, she and her husband devoted themselves to building a better life for their daughters. They worked tirelessly to give their children opportunities, comfort, and a home filled with love. For Inna, being a mother was never simply one part of her life—it was at the very heart of who she was.

She loved her two daughters more than anything in the world and dedicated her life to making sure they were cared for, comfortable, and loved. She gave of herself completely and never stopped taking care of the people around her. Her daughters’ friends were welcomed into her home as though they were her own, and she loved cooking meals for everyone after school. One of her greatest joys was making sure that anyone who walked through her door left with a full and happy belly, and her family was always eager to share the meals that Inna, a wonderful and talented cook, made with such love.

Inna had a lifelong passion for music. In Ukraine, she was a music teacher and shared her love of music and piano with her students. That passion remained throughout her life, reflected in her love of playing piano and dancing and in the dedication she brought to everything she did.

After moving to the United States, Inna challenged herself to begin again and pursue a new path. Through tremendous determination and hard work, she earned her nursing degree and began her career in the hospital, working nights and long hours while still being a devoted mother. She later dedicated herself to caring for others through home health care. She brought the same compassion to her patients that she brought to her family and received numerous awards and recognition throughout her nursing career for the exceptional care she provided. She treated those in her care with dignity, patience, and genuine love. Caring for others was never simply her profession—it was a fundamental part of who she was.

She was also, unmistakably, a woman with opinions. She knew what she liked—and perhaps even more importantly, what she didn’t like. Taking her out to dinner could sometimes be an adventure. Mexican food might be too spicy, another dish might be too saucy, and something else simply wouldn’t be quite right. Her daughters learned that choosing a restaurant for Mom was no small task. But there were a few things that could always win her over, including a good Italian seafood pasta.

Those little quirks are now among the memories her family will treasure most, because they are the moments that made her strong-willed, particular, passionate, loving, and completely unforgettable.

Inna was a remarkably strong and resilient woman. When she was faced with the devastating news of her diagnosis, she met it with the same strength and determination that had carried her through every challenge in her life. She held her head high and continued moving forward. She faced her battle with extraordinary courage, dignity, and grace.

She remained herself until the very end—caring for the people around her and showing the strength that had always been a part of her. Her family will forever be proud of the way she faced such an unimaginable battle, not only because of how hard she fought, but because of the dignity, courage, and love with which she did so.

Above all, Inna was a caretaker. She cared for her daughters, her family, her patients, her friends, her neighbors, and anyone who needed her. Her love was shown through the memorable meals she cooked, the patients she cared for, the music she shared, the sacrifices she made, and the countless ways she made the people around her feel safe and loved.

Her daughters will forever carry with them the lessons she taught through the way she lived: to work hard, to care deeply, to give generously, to remain strong through adversity, and to love without conditions.

She will be profoundly missed by her two daughters, Antonia and Sofiya, her family, friends, former patients and colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched, especially her cherished neighbor of 29 years, Millicent Sunshine Williams.

Though her time with us was far too short, the love she gave was immeasurable. She spent her life taking care of others. Now, her family will spend the rest of theirs carrying her love with them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Evelyn's House in Inna's honor.

A visitation for Inna's family and friends to gather and share memories will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South City Chapel 7027 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 from 10:00 AM until her funeral service at 12:00 PM. Immediately following, graveside service and interment in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.