Mary Prather
Wood River |
Mary Belle Prather, 83, passed away peacefully at 7:39 am, Monday, April 22, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her family.
She was born December 5, 1940 in East St. Louis, one of three children born to the late Daniel and Lila (Gambill) Moussette. After Daniel's passing, Lila married Earl Oliver who held a special place in Mary's heart until his passing.
She married Carl Prather on November 5, 1994 and together they shared 26 years of marriage before his passing in December of 2020.
Mary loved the Lord and exemplified what it meant to be a Christian in how she treated others and conducted herself every day. She was a longtime, devoted member of the Bethalto Church of God and loved attending church.
After graduating from Central Beauty School as a licensed cosmetologist, Mary started her own business, "Mary's Beauty Shop" in 1968, where she dedicated most of her time for the last 60+ years, making everyone look and feel their best. Her work ethic was unmatchable. She didn't know a stranger and was always helping those in need. That's why you came to her shop. People wanted to be around her. Whether to spill their troubles, get pampered, or just have someone to talk to-her door was always open, and she created many lasting friendships throughout the years, especially with her best friend, Vicki Nance.
She took pride in her work but by far her greatest joys in life were being a loving mother and a proud and doting grandmother. Nothing made her smile more than her own family whom she loved to brag about. No matter how busy Mary was, she always made sure she was always there to support her two sons, "Gerk" and Mike Van Hoose in their sports activities growing up. Many memories were created throughout their youth with their mom that will last a lifetime, including the times spent with Bill Scoggins, who was like a brother to them as well as their prior stepfather, Don Scoggins. In addition to her love of bowling, one of her favorite things to do in her free time was fishing. Even after her health challenges in the last couple of years, she did not pass up an opportunity to go fishing and always caught a fish.
Mary is survived by her two sons with William "Bill" Van Hoose; William "Gerk" (Lisa) Van Hoose of Jerseyville, Michael (Missy) Van Hoose of Wood River; step-son, Kirk (Stacy) Prather of Godfrey; three grandchildren, Tiffany (Chas) Walker of Edwardsville, Cody (Samantha) Van Hoose of Moscow Mills, MO, and Rachel (Randy) Roentz of Jerseyville; 14 great grandchildren, Kaden Van Hoose, Faith Van Hoose, Hailee Van Hoose, Gracie Van Hoose, Ashton Van Hoose, Claire Beemer, Caytline Beemer, Chloe Beemer, Cora Roentz, Joseph Johnson, Braden Johnson, Juner Green, Emily Green, and Roy Walker. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and longtime friends who will deeply miss her. A special thanks to Sue Bick for all her support and help in the last 2 1/2 years with Mary as her health gradually declined.
In addition to her husband; parents; and step-father, she was preceded in death by three grandsons, Billy Van Hoose, Dustin Van Hoose, and Joseph Johnson; step-son, Cary Prather; step-daughter, Jennifer Hunter; brother and sister-in-law, Danny and Darlene Moussette; and sister and brother-in-law, Lila and Wayne Cline.
Visitation will be from 10 am until time of service at 1 pm on Thursday, May 2 at the Bethalto Church of God, 800 E. Bethalto Dr., Bethalto, IL. Pastor Jacob Skelton will officiate.
Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials are suggested to Bethalto Church of God.
Marks Mortuary in Wood River is in charge of arrangements. Memories may be shared with the family by visiting: www.marksmortuary.com.
Mark's Mortuary
