Virginia Prather

Virginia E. Prather, 88, of Rushville, as innocent as the definition of her name, remained sweet natured until she passed away at 9:10 AM, Friday, July 7, 2017, at the Elms in Macomb.

She was born on May 14, 1929, in Rushville, the daughter of Henry and Frieda (Brown) Burnside.  She married a hard working farm boy, Virgil Prather on October 21, 1950, in Rushville.  He preceded her in death on April 13, 1991.  Also preceding her in death were her parents, son Paul Prather, daughter Sheila “Hag” Prather, two great grandchildren Harley and Harmony Henson, sister Beverly Debertha Melvin and brother Ted Burnside.

Surviving are her children Rex Prather and wife Nicky, Victor Prather, and Marshall Prather and wife Glenna all of Rushville, Vicky Prather of Bushnell, and Penny Scrogum and husband Michael of Macomb, nine grandchildren Rachel Metro and husband Brenten, Lance Prather and wife Tiffany, Heath Prather, Deanna Prather, Amanda Prather, Emma Lewis and husband Chris, Dylan Prather, Tristan Prather and Nicholas Prather, nine great grandchildren Planet and Shonsa Henson, Braxton, Kanon, and Kalynn Prather, Benjamin Prather, Julian Pichardo, Vada and Henry Lewis, brother Tom Burnside and wife Barbara of Chesterfield, Missouri, brothers-in-law Wayne Melvin of Macomb and Howard Prather and wife Glenna of Rushville, sister-in-law LeIsle Prather of Huntsville, and several nieces and nephews.  She enjoyed the company of several “grand dogs”; one special pup named Virgil even delighted residents at the Elms, with his visits.

Virginia graduated from Rushville High School in 1946 and was thrilled to attend her 70th class reunion. Prior to her marriage, she worked for Fred Krause Drug Store, Hornsby’s, Farmer’s Elevator and Schuyler Locker.  After her marriage, she was a dedicated wife and mother.  She lived a most unusual selfless life, having concern for the needs and wants of others, particularly her children, before herself.  She sacrificed much for others without complaint.  Her legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of her family that she helped with her loving nature. Following the death of her husband, she began a career as a caregiver for the elderly.

She was a member of the Rushville Free Methodist Church and lived out her faith daily.  She loved to sew and garden, but most of all she loved her family and poured herself out for them.

Services will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville, with Reverend Rob Kirkham officiating.  Interment will follow in the Rushville City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, July 10, 2017, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville.  Memorials are suggested to the Rushville Free Methodist Church or to the Elms in Macomb.