Jo Ann Prather, age 83, left this world to be with the Lord on Monday, November 11, 2024, surrounded by family at her home in Eudora, Kansas. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Jo Ann McKenzie, the daughter of Earl Tate and Ruth McKenzie, was born at her family’s farm in rural Knox City, Missouri, on June 22, 1941. During her childhood, she was a member of Bee Ridge Methodist Church and played piano during worship. After her graduation from Edina High School, she attended and graduated from Kirksville State Teachers College.
On October 29, 1961, at Bee Ridge Methodist Church, Knox City, Missouri, Jo Ann married her soulmate, Hillis Dale Prather. Together they welcomed two children, Deborah and Dale Prather. Jo Ann was devoted to her husband and children, spending many years as a homemaker. She helped out on the farm and supported the ministry. The couple pastored many Baptist churches in Missouri between 1976-2014. Jo Ann was dedicated to her church families. She led Sunday school classes and Bible studies, and played piano during worship. The couple later retired and built a home in rural Knox City, Missouri. They later moved to Eudora, Kansas. They remained members of the Mount Tabor Baptist Church.
Jo Ann enjoyed listening to music, gardening, cross stitching, and putting together puzzles. She loved watching wildlife and feeding her hummingbirds and squirrels. Jo Ann was an avid reader and was dedicated in her walk with God, including daily reading of the Bible and devotionals. She embraced her role as grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Tate and Ruth McKenzie, and sister, Elizabeth McAnulty Schutte. Surviving are her husband, Hillis Prather, daughter, Debby (Wayne) Wolgast, son, Dale (Christine) Prather, three grandchildren, Jennifer (Jacob) Goss, Christopher Wilkins, and Olivia Prather, and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Carter Goss.
The family will have a small private gathering in Eudora, Kansas. Memorial contributions can be made to Bee Ridge Cemetery or Midland Care in Topeka, Kansas, who provided hospice care to Jo Ann and were a God-send during her time of need. https://midlandcare.org/support-us/donate-online/