Obituary of Hazel Frances Pratt

Funeral Services for Hazel Frances Pratt of Elsberry, MO will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at the First Christian Church in Elsberry.  Rev. Kris Hagemeier, church pastor, and Fr. Charles Tichacek, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elsberry, will officiate with burial in the Elsberry City Cemetery near Elsberry.  Serving as pallbearers will be Michael O’Brien, Edward O’Brien, Patrick O’Brien, Sean O’Brien, Brendan O’Brien and Slade Pritchett.

Mrs. Pratt, 88, passed away Saturday afternoon, December 15, 2018 at the Elsberry Health Care Center near Elsberry.  Born October 20, 1930 in a house by the side of the road in New Hartford, MO, she was the daughter of Leslie Edward and Peggy Bird Gillum Pritchett.  Hazel was a 1948 graduate of Elsberry High School.  She was united in marriage on November 1, 1952 in Elsberry to Walter Herbert Pratt.  This union was blessed with one daughter, Peggy Annette.  Hazel worked for the Bank of Lincoln County from 1948-1958; and Forrest Keeling Nursery 1959-1961. Hazel owned and operated Pratt’s Hallmark Shop from 1976-1986.  Active in the Elsberry Community, Hazel served on the Joseph R. Palmer Family Memorial Library Board, member of Study Club, Chairman of the Bicentennial Committee and Chairman of the Lincoln County R-2 Centennial Committee. 

Hazel was the first woman elected to serve on the Lincoln County R-2 School Board, where she served as member, Treasurer and President.  She was the first and only woman to serve as a member and President of the Lincoln County School Board Association.  Hazel also served as President of the Elsberry Special Road District.

Hazel loved all types of music.  Later in life, she learned to play the guitar and mandolin.  She joined other musicians and played for churches, nursing homes and picnics. Hazel enjoyed traveling, her flowers, friends and family.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Peggy Pritchett; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Martha Pritchett; and her beloved husband of nearly 63 years, Walter Pratt, who died May 7, 2015.

Survivors include her daughter, Annette Pratt of Elsberry; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at the First Christian Church.  Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, J.R. Palmer Library (or) American Cancer Society in care of Carter-Ricks Funeral Home, 107 S. 5th Street; Elsberry, MO 63343.