Geraldine (Williams) Prater

Geraldine (Williams) Prater was born in Great Falls, Montana, July 30, 1919, after her mother insisted on a stop to see the circus! Oh my goodness! Mom fulfilled her 99 years, full of life and went peacefully to her heavenly home December 2, 2018. Jack Thompson (mom’s father) who moved to Power, Montana in 1910, fell in love and married Pearl Williams, in 1918. The story was told that as he got off the train, he saw a lovely lady and said, “I’m going to marry that “redhead” a trait to this day passed down to her great, great grandchildren. Mom loved living on the farm, where her hard work philosophy continued throughout her life. The family additions of Phyllis, her sister and Jack, her brother, were truly a life time love connection, of occasional tales of someone’s near demise, once by a knife that missed and lodged in the door jam! Her role as an aunt was treasured. Mom graduated from Power High School and married the love of her life, Vincent Prater in 1941. She loved to garden, bake, dance, sing and sew. Being a farmer’s wife and mother to four daughters, was an honor for her and one that fit like a glass slipper. Her family has grown. Bonnie Wolverton (grands: Corey, Jamie and Tanya (greats: Maggie and Kalen), Linda (Alan) Loftgaarden (grands: Megan (Lydell) Lauro (greats: Addison & Luke) Matthew (Denise) (great: Owen) Ben (Julie) (greats: Elias, Jonas & Julian) Brittan (Ben) Barnholdt (greats: Eden & Ella. Patty (Chuck) Walter (grands: Todd, Amanda (Jeff) Garrett (greats: Connor & Myah) Cindy (Bob) Johnson Amy Theisen (greats: Hunter & Kaitlyn) Abigail (Lloyd) Taylor (greats: Natalie, Conner & Claire) Rachel (Nate) Swanson (greats: Isaac, Isabelle, Israel, Elias & Estera) Ryan (Hailey) Johnson (greats: Noah & Ezekiel) I can’t imagine all the hugs and kisses, she got in her life, from all the above. Our dad, Vince, her parents, siblings, Chuck Walter (son-in- law) and Matthew Loftgaarden (grandson) welcomed her home with open arms. How do you sum up in words the love you have for your mother, our friend. We are so thankful for her strength, her heart to serve by sewing, crocheting and baking. I remember the postman knew what day was bread day, and would make some excuse to come into the house. Her hands represented Christ’s love to so many. (I’m sure; she made over 100-crocheted baby blankets) Mom had a quiet strength evidenced by her contentment and peace regardless of circumstances. Mom’s memorial is December 14 at 2pm at New City Church, 4114 North Park Trail. Following the service cinnamon rolls and coffee will be served in memory of moms amazing baking, come enjoy a treat and share your stories of the lady we loved. There will be a graveside service after at Highland Cemetery. In lieu, of flowers her daughters would prefer donations made to the Great Falls Rescue Mission. Thank you to Dr. Lenz, the Rainbow, Renaissance and Hospice nurses who helped mom along the way and for Schnider Funeral Home, for taking good care of mom.