Edith Marie Prater

December 31, 1924 ~ February 19, 2021
Born in:
Fenter, AR
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Edith Marie Prater, 96, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2021 in Fort Collins, Colorado. She was born the oldest of four children on December 31,1924 to W.E. Holley and Mary Blees Holley in Fenter, Arkansas.
After graduating from Malvern High School, Edith spent a year working for the Department of the Navy in Washington D.C. She then attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. She met her husband to be, the late Joe Prater, at the university and the two were married in 1947, sharing life for 57 years before he predeceased her in 2004.
Relocating to Colorado, Edith taught English and Business at Lamar High School for several years before starting a family which ultimately included four children. She and Joe moved to Pueblo in 1956 when he became an associate professor of math and the head football coach at Pueblo Junior College. She embraced the not always easy role of being a coach’s wife and made many lasting friends within the academic and sports community as the college grew from a junior college, to a state college and finally a state university. Edith and Joe were also active members and supporters of Calvary Baptist Church for many years.
Edith was very involved in neighborhood life and was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for six years before turning much of her energy towards the 4-H Club. She was an enthusiastic 4-H leader for seventeen years – first starting her own club, then being involved at the county and state levels. She was a member of the Pueblo County and Colorado State 4-H Foundations, president of the Pueblo County Leaders Council in 1979-1980, and was for many years a superintendent of the Pueblo County Fair. Edith received the State 4-H Leader Recognition Award in 1978 and was inducted, along with her husband, into the Pueblo County 4-H Hall of Fame in 1997.
She was an avid bridge player, family historian, and a very active and loving grandmother to Abby and Adam Williamson.
She is survived by children Beverly (Scott) Williamson of Olathe, Kansas, Sharon Prater of Toronto, Canada, Pam Prater (married to Jay Surdell) of Woodland, California, and James Prater (married to Vicki Volbrecht) of Fort Collins. Also survived by her grandchildren, Abby and Adam Williamson of Olathe, Kansas.
Celebration of life, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 University Circle.
Services
Life Celebration: October 20, 2021 10:30 am
Westminster Presbyterian Church
10 University Circle
Pueblo, CO 81005
561-8031
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2021-10-20 10:30:00
2021-10-20 10:30:00
EdithMariePraterLife Celebration
Life Celebration
10 University Circle,Pueblo, CO 81005
What a wonderful woman. I feel lucky to have been a member of Mrs. Prater’s 4-H club. She was such a kind and caring person and a true friend to my mother, Virginia Smith.
Thank you Winnie. I know my mother considered your mother a dear friend. I hope you are doing well.
Beverly Williamson
Thank you so much, Winnie. My mother loved your family and we all considered you dear friends. Your mother was also quite something!
I hope you and I can reconnect in the future.
Sherry Prater
I am so sorry for your loss. Edith worked tirelessly for 4-H for many many years as a leader, Leader’s Council county fair superintendent and so much more. I remember all of you being enrolled in the program whir growing up. I finally retired working for CSU Extension a year and a half ago after 50 years. Your family is in my prayers
What a remarkable woman! Our thoughts are with you.