Mary Lou Prater-Kendall, 68, of Warsaw, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, at 5:53 p.m. in Fort Wayne at Parkview Regional Medical Center.
Moving to the area when she was a young child, she was born in Prestonsburg, Ky. She was the daughter of Virgil Preston and Pearlie Marie Adams Prater, whom most knew as “Press”?and Pearl.”
Mary was a hard worker with spunk and personality. In retirement, she worked with Sparkman Auctions, though she spent much of her career working in area restaurants as the manager. She even operated her own day care for some time, which was fitting as she loved children.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest loves, and she truly cherished time spent with them. She liked to read, especially the novels of VC Andrews, and liked to laugh with the Golden Girls on TV, never far from her canine companion, Oreo, who was like her fourth child.
Mary was proud of her family and loved them each dearly. Her closest family includes three daughters: Misti (Cammi) Higginbotham, of Warsaw; Barbi (Josh Stone) Higginbotham, of Warsaw; and Mindi (Rodney) Poehler, of Frankfort, Ohio; 10 grandchildren: Korbi Hughes, Londyn Higginbotham, Bryce Mustain, Braxtyn Mustain, Jordan (Derek Wray) Fuller, Chase Fuller, Blake (Stephanie) Fuller, Andrea Poehler, Briana (Jorge) Escobar and Carissa Poehler; and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters: Juanita Shepherd, Geneva Bayne, Phyllis (Greg) Varney and Barbara (Darrell) Prater; brothers: Ronald Prater; and Arnold (Amy) Prater; and a sister-in-law, Judy Prater.
Her parents; three brothers: Wilford Prater, Clifford Prater and Donald Garry Prater; a nephew, Wesley Prater; and a sister-in-law, Janice Prater, all preceded her in passing.
Titus Funeral Home, Warsaw, is assisting the family. Pastor Bob Brown of God’s Highway to Heaven Church, where Mary attended for many years, will officiate the service.
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Memorial gifts may be made to the family or to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, 8301 Professional Place West, Suite 230, Landover, MD 20785.
Written condolences may be sent via www.TitusFuneralHome.com.
