Beryl A Prather

Beryl Audry Cornish Prather was born February 10, 1926 to Lewis William and Lutie Vance Richey Cornish in Wray, Colorado and peacefully departed this life on May 5, 2012 at Hillcrest Care Center in Wray.  She was the eighth of nine children and the first to be born in the hospital.  Younger brother, Gene, completed the family of six boys and three girls.  Known as “Boots” she grew up in the sand hills north of Wray; she attended the Alvin school before attending Wray High School; she graduated with the class of 1944.

Following graduation, she moved to the Front Range where she taught school and worked.  In June 1946, a handsome young sailor wanted to thank her for writing to him; Beryl and Leo Prather were married on June 7,1947 in Bird City, Kansas. Teck and Boots made their home south of Eckley where they raised their children, Lois Fern, Penny Eldean, Peggy Sue, Rhonda Cristeen, and Rodney Chris on the family farm except for three years when they lived in Wray.  Her children and their families were her “pride and joy.”  When any of the children, grandchildren, or great­ grandchildren “came home”, it gave her great pleasure.  They were also treated to some of Grammie’s home cooking, whether it was cinnamon rolls, cookies, homemade bread, or another treat–you never left hungry.

She was active in the community with the Vernon school then the Vernon Community Center.  She also served many years as an election judge and Yuma County Fair superintendent.  Boots was a member of Mildred FCE club for over 55 years; she enjoyed the projects, lessons and social times at club; she served as an officer in the club most of those 55 years; also serving as an officer at the county level.

Boots was an avid letter writer and expected a reply!  She also enjoyed word puzzles, especially crossword puzzles, and needle work.  As a farmer/rancher’s wife, she was called upon to help with everything from milking to baling hay and still had dinner ready at noon.  When irrigation came to the area, she helped with sugar beet harvest by driving a beet truck.  Boots worked in Wray Super’s meat market where she renewed acquaintances with old friends and made many new friends.  She loved people and found a “part-time” job that suited her well as the Eckley news correspondent for the Wray Gazette and Yuma Pioneer for over 25 years, retiring only when it became “work”.

After 56 years of marriage Teck’s death in 2004 brought an end to life as a rancher’s wife.  In 2005, Boots moved to an apartment in Wray, then in 2007 to Hillcrest Care Center and the Towers where she enjoyed the company of the staff and residents.  Boots’ smile and sense of humor endeared her to this new “family” just as they had the family and friends she leaves behind.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, her parents, Lewis and

Lutie Cornish, his parents, Eldie and  Ada Prather, her siblings and their spouses: Dale and Ann Cornish, Leslie Cornish, Bob and Velma Cornish, Rex Cornish, Lewis William, Jr. (Bill) Cornish, LaVonne and Ralph Lockwood, Vivian Reed, and Gene Cornish and Leo’s siblings and their spouses Truman and Opal Prather, Bob and Marge Prather, Harry and Hila Prather, L’oyd  ”Bud” Prather,  Ray “Butch” Prather, Velma “Dot” and Albert Brandt, Hazel and Leo Morris and Leota and Warren Morris; also  sons-in-law Denis Orent and Marvin “Sonny” Ritchey.

Boots is survived by her children and their families: Lois Ritchey, Penny and Bill Brubaker, Peggy and Andy Weaver, Rhonda and Tom Stark and Rod and Rickie Prather; Ron and Kusuma Ritchey, Simone, Carson and Gavin; Travis Ritchey and Ozzi; Sabrena and Brian McCasland, Kordell, Kenzie, Kennedi; Derek and Cynthia Orent, Kimberly and Kourtney; Becci Orent; Traci and Nick Swihart, Kaylin, Audry, and Sidney; Mike and Lisa Weaver, Ellie and Drew; Jessi and Jeff Stoll and Brandon; Sarah and Jed German; Pete Weaver; Josh and Teri Weaver and Rowan; Emily Weaver; David and Maya Stark and Ella; John Paul Stark; Mark Prather; Amber Hubbard, Nash and Tara; Leesa and Shane Jones; Jerry and Michelle Ritchey, Jarrett and Brandi Ritchey, Avery and Allie; Peyton and Porchia Ritchey and Parker; Tonia and Todd Roseberry,  Morgan and Brandon Kock. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law Shirley Cornish and Maralyn Cornish and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Memorial services were held at the Wray United Methodist Church on May 9, 2012.  Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Plains, P.O. BOX 365, Wray, Colorado 80758 or Hillcrest Care Center and the Towers, P.O. Box 100, Wray, Colorado 80758. Spellman – Schmidt Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.