Darlene Mae Prather

Darlene Mae Prather, 85 of LaPrairie, IL left this earthly life on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 6:30 am at the Mt. Sterling Health and Rehab Center in Mt. Sterling, IL She was born April 3, 1940 in Canton, IL the daughter of late Virgil K. and Lela Frances Collins Royer. She married Randall Curtis Prather on July 6, 1958, in Littleton, IL and he survives.

She and Randall lived and worked on their family farm, raising a large garden until February of this year due to health decline. They enjoyed camping with family and friends as well as sharing lots of fun around campfires and potlucks. They enjoyed traveling and camping until 2023 in their 5th wheel camper. In the winter months they enjoyed being snowbirds at Bit-O-Heaven in Donna, Texas. They were members of the Escapees Camping Club. One of their most memorable trips was going to Alaska.

Darlene enjoyed playing many kinds of card games, especially Somerset. She enjoyed playing a game of Old Maid with her grandchildren. She looked forward to gathering every Tuesday at the Senior Citizen Center in Augusta for food, fellowship, and games. She enjoyed sewing, growing flowers and strawberries, cooking, baking, and having all of her family to spoil and dote over.

Darlene was a member of the Camden United Methodist Church, Home Extension, and the United Methodist Women. Along with being a housewife, mother and working with Randall on the family farm, she worked for the Schuyler County Extension Office, Mt. Sterling Nursing Home, Haeger Potteries in Macomb, IL and Methode Electronics in Golden, IL.

She always supported her children and grandchildren in their 4H projects and sports endeavors. Hours of love went into every embroidery stitch of the baby quilts and pillowcase sets made for each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many others received her special sets as wedding gifts. Darlene was known for her kind heart and great love for her family and friends. Her faithful walk with Jesus began at the age of 9 when she was baptized at the Littleton Methodist Church on January 9, 1949.

She is survived by husband Randall of Mt. Sterling; her son Kent (Sandy) Prather of Mt. Sterling, her daughters Cindy (Kevin) Shelts of Camden and Lisa (Kevin) Kerker of Augusta, IL; (6) grandchildren, Kaycee (Eddie) Peterman of Rushville, Nicole Kerker of Springfield, Kollin (Brenna) Kerker of Atalissa, IA, Kendra (Wade) Bryan of Colchester, Klayton (Sydnee) Kerker of Augusta and Allison (Austin) Guthrie of Mt. Sterling; (12) great-grandchildren, Jayden Chenoweth, Janelle Shaw, Javion Gray, Emorie and Kaydee Peterman, Charlee and Kasen Kerker, Elsie Brough, Maven and Kasey Kerker, and Easton and Hadley Bryan; her sister Linda Shaw of Rushville; her sister-in-law Pat (Dale) Davis of Rushville; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Terry Royer; sisters-in-law, Connie Royer, Linda Smart, Diana Ocheltree; and her brothers-in-law, Dave Shaw, Steve Ocheltree, and Bill Smart.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 13th at 10:00 a.m. at the Worthington Funeral Home with Rev. Dan Wise officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Rushville City Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 12th from 5 to 7 pm at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Blessing Hospice or Snacks for Students.



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