Ruby Marie Prather

Ruby Marie Prather, a resident of Sulphur was born December 13, 1923 in Mangum, Oklahoma to L.D. and Anna M. (Montgomery) Wilkes. She passed away Thursday August 14, 2014 at Moore, Oklahoma at the age of 90 years 8 months and 1 day. Ruby grew up around Chickasha, graduating from Friend High School near Chickasha in 1942 and then attending Draughon's School of Business in Oklahoma City. Her first job was as a telephone operator at Bell Telehone Company in Chickasha. She became engaged to a U.S. Navy Seabee, Samuel Benton Prather, and they were married on November 25, 1945 in Chickasha, soon after he returned from active duty overseas. Ruby and Benton began their married life together in Sulphur, Oklahoma, where they remained many years until Benton's death and her illness. Ruby worked at the local newspaper before going to work at the Murray County ASCS Office, later becoming the first female in Oklahoma to serve as County Executive Director until her retirement. She loved working with the farmers who were in the district, and continued friendships long after retiring. After her retirement, Ruby served for several years as Secretary of the Oklahoma Retired ASCS Organization, planning yearly reunions and as editor of their newsletter. Ruby was as accomplished writer and talented artist. She was very active in many local community activities throughout her lifetime, serving with the Election Board, the County Fair Board , the Art Community, and others including being a lifetime member of Modern Martha's Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church and Oaklawn Extension Homemakers. She was preceded in death by her parents: Rev. L.D. & Anna Wilkes; her husband: Samuel Benton Prather; a son: Terrell Ran Prather; and a brother: Donald Wilkes. Survived by her son & daughter-in-law: Gary & Pam Prather of Frisco, TX. 2 sisters: Dorothy West of Anadarko, OK. And Dolores Smith of Oklahoma City, OK. Granddaughter: Kellie Prather of Moore,OK. Grandson & spouse: Kevin & Sholi Prather of Sulphur, OK. Great-granddaughter: Dana Prather of Moore, OK. Great-grandsons: Kristian & Kaden Prather of Sulphur, OK. Other loving friends & family. Services will be held Monday August 18, 2014 at 1:00 pm at Chapel of Crossway Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Bill Leveridge. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of DeArman Funeral Home Pallbearers will be Family Members.

Tributes

Ruby Marie Prather

December 13, 1923 - August 14, 2014