Sara “Linda” Prather
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Sara “Linda” Prather, 77, Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Linda was born on December 20, 1944, the daughter of Hilton and Mary (Bechtel) Prather. Linda grew up in Ford, Kansas until moving to Meade, Kansas where she graduated from Meade High School. Linda attended Southwestern College for two years before transferring to Kansas State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing. After graduating, she began her marketing career in Kansas City, KS working for Macy’s Department Store. From there, she moved to Wisconsin where she continued her career working at Prange’s Department Store. Linda then moved to Hutchinson, KS, where she worked for Borton Elevator Company. While in Hutchinson, she became a member of Faith United Methodist Church and served in various roles. This led her to a decision in 1979 to move to Nashville, TN, where she attended Scarritt College earning a degree in Diaconal Ministries. She proudly served at various Methodist churches in Burlington, IA and Larned, KS before returning to Meade, KS to help care for her aging parents.
While at Meade, Linda owned and operated HML Variety Store. Following the passing of her father, Linda and her mother moved to Leavenworth, KS where they lived with her sister and family until the passing of her mother. While in Leavenworth, she went to work for St. Mary’s college in the registrar’s office until her retirement.
Linda was always strong in her faith. God first, then her family and friends, and finally herself. A member of CrossRoads United Methodist Church in Lansing, KS, she served in various capacities. She enjoyed serving for UMW, using her love of music singing in the church choir, and always volunteering to lend a helping hand for those in need.
Linda was an avid reader, always up for table games, cards, putting puzzles together, crafting of all kinds, gardening, vacationing at the cabin in the summers, family get-togethers, loved her sporting events – especially the Royals and Chiefs! She also had a soft heart for animals and shared her life with her furry companions; the most recent being her beloved “Miss Kitty”.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers John Prather and Charles Prather; brother in law Karl Zart. She is survived by her brother Larry (Marilyn) Prather of Buhler, KS; Carol Zart of Waverly, IA; 4 Nephews: Robert Prather, Matthew (Leilani) Zart, Nathan (Leanna) Prather, David Prather; 3 Nieces: Leisa (Benny) Wright, Tanya (Mark King) Prather, Christa (Allon) Stern; 5 Great Nephews: Isaac, Zachary, Joshua, Alexander, Andrew; 3 Great Nieces: Alyx (Jordan), Emma, Esther and 1 Great-Great Niece; Addalyn. She loved and cherished every one of them!
The family would like to thank all of those involved in Linda’s care over the past few years and a special thank you to the loving care and support from her Interim Hospice team.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, 11:00 a.m., November 26, 2022, at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 101 E. Gilman Road, Lansing, KS, 66043.
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Interim Hospice of Topeka in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Our most sincere condolences to you all. I sang with Linda in the church choir at Crossroads UMC and really enjoyed her friendship. We missed her when she moved to Lawrence and know she is singing in the heavenly choir. God bless you all.
Doug & Melinda Gilbert