Barbara Prater

THEBES, Ill. -- Barbara Aline Prater, 87, of Thebes died Sunday, May 20, 2018, at her home, surrounded by family.

She was born April 5, 1931, in Fayville, Illinois, to Berlie and Mary Ruth Miles Snell. She and Robert Gene Prater were married April 29, 1950, at Piggott, Arkansas. He preceded her in death March 9, 2008.

Barbara was a graduate of Thebes High School.

She worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone as an operator, Davis Electric, Florsheim Shoe and Dollar General Store.

She liked doing crosswords, quilting, sewing, crocheting, cooking, gardening and growing flowers. She was known for her Halloween popcorn balls.

While her kids were growing up, her home was the favorite place of all the neighborhood kids. She raised lots of children. She was a good babysitter and had a special love for all her grandchildren.

Survivors include three sons, Robert (Sharon) Prater of McClure, Illinois, Gary Prater of Thebes and Randy (Shelia) Prater of McClure; a daughter, Linda (David) Stevens of McClure; two brothers, John "Butch" (Wanda) Snell of Dongola, Illinois, and Kenny Snell of Lafayette, Colorado; four sisters, Fern McIntyre of Buford, Georgia, Monnie Simpkins of Anna, Illinois, Sue (Mervin) Lence of Lick Creek, Illinois, and Janet (Vernon) Roth of Cape Girardeau; friend and sister-in-law, Patricia Mathis of Cape Girardeau; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two sisters, Cecil Rebecca Snell and Patsy Mayland Taylor; and two brothers, Berlie Edward "Junior" Snell and Donald Wayne Snell.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Randy Morgan officiating. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.