Kathryn Elizabeth Pratt

Kathryn Elizabeth (Gross) Pratt 1923 - 2010 SHERIDAN - Kathryn Elizabeth (Gross) Pratt has gone to a better place. She was a Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, as well as a true and loyal friend to all. Bom in 1923 in Sheridan where she remained all her days, Kae was a child of the Depression who became a woman and mother as World War II raged. She was as strong as steel, yet as soft as cotton. Her Mother, Cora McLain, was just two generations from Scotland. While her father, Harry Gross, was from a long line of Americans. Both families had come to Sheridan from the Mid-West. Kathryn became Kae (with an "e") in High School to be a little different. She always stood out and distinguished herself, but never so much as to be conspicuous. Kae was an avid reader and very bright, but always reserved as to conceal her intelligent and thoughtful nature. She also had a love for gardening, as she had many beautiful flower beds around her home, and a wonderful garden full of fresh vegetables. On the 12th of September 1941, Kathryn married Franklin Leonard Pratt. In 1966, she was widowed when Franklin was stricken with an aggressive tumor that took his life at Christmas time. Kae became that Modem woman-a single mom. With 5 children, the youngest being 9 year old, she set about the work force to support her family. In those years after her husbands death, Kae worked many years at the local grocery Store, Agee Market, and also at the Sheridan Bakery. While holding down a job, she also continued to provide a loving home with comfort and guidance. After retirement she helped at meals on wheels for several years. She never remarried. Her children remember Kae's hallmark: "Never A Cross Word" and her guidance by example. All 5 were at her bedside during her final 5 days and drew from her strength to comfort her. Kae's devastating stroke had robbed her of consciousness, but we all know the non-stop presence of her family was felt, uninterrupted until she passed peacefully at 3 AM, March 9th, 2010 with her eldest, Larry, and youngest, Chuck, at her side. Kae is survived by son Larry and wife Valjean of Salem who have her grandchildren: Kathryn, Nikki, Rebecca, and Christine, and 2 great-grandsons. While Larry and former wife Sharon Kay have her grandchildren Jason and Darci and 4 great-grandchildren. Son David and wife Cecile of Hillsboro who have her grandchildren Janelle, Elizabeth, and Joseph, and 8 great-grandchildren. Son Frank of Sheridan has her grandchildren Michelle and Franklin and one great-grandson. Daughter Sharon and her husband Steve of Downy, Calif. Chuck of Sheridan has her grandson McLean. Kae was a great friend to all she knew in Sheridan and beyond. She was an active member of the Ethel Rebekah lodge No. 162 and a member of F.L. Club No. 24. She was also a member of the Methodist Church and very active to the end as a volunteer in many community Charities. Kae will be missed by all that knew her. Her family thanks all of you for your expressions of sympathy an support. A Memorial Service will be held at the newly constructed Methodist Church in Sheridan. The date is expected to be in July and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made for landscaping the new Sheridan Methodist Church grounds. Contributions can made at US Bank to the Kathryn Pratt Memorial Fund.