Delores Elaine (Kirkpatrick) Prather (2024)

HOUSE, KIRKPATRICK, MARTINEZ, MILLAM, PRATHER, SMITH

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 1/9/2024 at 17:10:19

Kale Funeral Home
Osceola, Iowa

On January 4th, 2024, Delores Elaine Prather passed away at 87, surrounded by the love of her cherished family in Fort Worth, TX. Though her passing was quick, those who know her know she left this world just how she wanted to, spending her final days with her sons, daughters-in-law, grandkids, and great-grandson.

Born on August 10th, 1936, in Winterset, Iowa, to Elvis and Fern Kirkpatrick. Delores was the second oldest of their eight children and the beloved eldest daughter. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, the Kirkpatrick family was rich in values and love, a legacy Delores and her siblings passed on to subsequent generations. Her early days on the family farm were filled with helping "Mommy and Daddy," caring for younger siblings, cooking alongside her mother, and sharing joyous adventures with her brothers and sisters--stories she would later joyously share with her kids and grandkids. Delores graduated from Geneseo High School in 1953, having completed her junior and senior years simultaneously after overcoming rheumatic fever.

As Delores entered adulthood, her life unfolded with new experiences, including the joy of dancing at Danceland in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which is where she would meet Gilbert Prather, her future husband, leading to a union that brought two wonderful sons into the world: Gregory Lee and Steven Van. The Prather family journeyed through multiple states before finding their home in Southern California, where Delores's sons would later raise their own families. Her devotion to her boys was unparalleled. Delores supported them through challenging times and celebrated the good times and everything in between, appreciating the unique qualities of Greg's detailed mind and Steve's mechanical aptitude. Despite their differences, both sons inherited her wit and loving nature.

Even while living in the city, Delores's farm-girl spirit persisted. She expressed her love through home-cooked meals, the sweet melody of country music in the background, and home remedies known to cure any family ailment. Delores's kitchen became a haven for shared stories and laughter, creating a solid foundation for enduring family bonds. Her wisdom, generously shared with her family, became the foundation for enduring values that generations will carry forward.

After a fulfilling 35-year career at Rockwell, Delores retired in 1998. Before her career there, some of her fondest memories were when she worked at a local bakery in Iowa and even graced TV screens selling goods for a short time. No matter what, always visiting her family on the farm, bringing them something special to enjoy.

In the later years of her life, she found her final life partner, Pete Martinez, and together, they transformed their home into a haven for grandchildren. Delores hosted sleepovers, created countless Halloween costumes, and engaged in various activities with the grandkids. She often helped babysit, or take the kids on a memorable adventure. Many nights were spent rocking her grandchildren and singing to them in her sweet and soft voice.

Delores possessed an extraordinary creative side that was primarily expressed in her artwork. Whether it was a simple doodle or a page from a coloring book, her paintings, and drawings reflected the beauty she saw in the world around her. This artistic flair extended beyond her art and into her everyday life, where she showcased an ability to find creative solutions to various challenges. Delores was known for her resourcefulness in problem-solving. Her granddaughter affectionately dubbed her "Lady MacGyver" because of her uncanny knack for finding imaginative and effective solutions to any problem that crossed her path. Delores's ability to think outside the box and approach challenges with creativity became a defining aspect of her character, leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed her ingenuity. Her creative spirit will undoubtedly be remembered as a remarkable part of her legacy.

Renowned for her gentle and charming wit, Delores endeared herself to everyone she met. A beacon of pure, selfless kindness, she guided with love, patience, and understanding, sprinkled with the occasional sassy, quick-witted yet perfectly timed quip. Delores displayed unwavering resilience in life's challenges, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate to have crossed paths with her.

Delores loved her family dearly. They were the light of her life. A fantastic and cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Delores leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and enduring values. Those who knew her will always hold her dear in their hearts, remembering her as a shining beacon of kindness and warmth.

She will be cherished in memory by her sons, Gregory Prather (Elizabeth) and Steven Prather (Kyla); grandchildren, Megan Prather (Bradley), Ashley Millam (Patrick), Race Prather, Holt Prather, Laci Prather, and her great-grandchildren; Miles Millam and soon-to-be-born "Baby Girl" Millam, siblings; Aletha House (Fred), Ladonna Smith, Dale Kirkpatrick (Kyle), Ronnie Kirkpatrick, Bonnie Smith (David), sister-in-law Judy Kirkpatrick and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvis and Fern Kirkpatrick ; husband, Gilbert Prather; partner, Pete Martinez; brothers, Eddie Kirkpatrick and Vernon Kirkpatrick; sister in law, Marilyn Kirkpatrick and brother-in-law, Terry Smith.

Final respects will be held at Kale Funeral Home at 301 S Main St, Osceola, IA 50213 on Saturday, January 13th, 2024, at 11 am.

Final Resting Place – New Virginia Cemetery, New Virginia, Iowa.

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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