Darlene Prather

Darlene Lavon (Amis) Prather was born on February 6, 1925, on the farm, near Greenville, Iowa to Farris (F.E.) Amis and Anna Marie (Swanson) Amis. She passed away at the Spencer Hospital at the age of 100 on October 1, 2025, after living a life full of adventure and service.

She graduated from Greenville Schools in 1942 and went on to Secretarial School in Omaha, Nebraska that provided on the job training at General Foods. While in Omaha she took a position with the Rogers family, whose mother died in childbirth. This included being a nanny for Colonel Frank Kurtz and his wife Margo’s daughter Swoosie Kurtz. With this job, she was able to travel all over the United States including Washington DC, San Antonio and Los Angeles.

In 1953 Darlene headed back to Iowa and attended Buena Vista College to get a two-year teaching degree and then taught second grade for a year in Albert City. It was here she met Virgil Prather, through her friend and former roommate, Mary Klatt. They were married on May 24, 1957.

Darlene was the Queen of volunteering in Spencer and Clay County. This began when she first moved to Spencer, throughout her children’s childhood and up until about age 97. Activities for her included Church, teaching Sunday School and for MOPS watching children. She volunteered for the American Legion Auxiliary selling poppies, Meals on Wheels, Community Theatre, RSVP and driving patients to appointments. In 2023, she was honored for 50 years of volunteering in the Culinary Arts at the Clay County Fair.

Darlene and Virgil were very involved in the Two Cylinder Club; Car Club, IGLAA, and Albert City Threshermen. For the most part, Darlene and Virgil spent most of their retirement doing things together. They could be seen at most Old Car and Tractor events and in Parades showing their old cars off. One of Darlene’s favorite activities was bowling.

Family was important to Darlene. She and Virgil helped John out with his foster kids. And when Stephanie, their only Grandchild was born, they put many miles on their cars driving to Hudson and northeast Iowa to her events. Darlene loved watching Steph play sports and getting to know all her friends. While she did not have great grandchildren, she loved the family pets, including dog Augie and cats, Lily, Twi, Stormi, Puddy, Lobo and Trinket.

Darlene was one of a kind. Sassy, feisty and making sure things were scheduled or directing you to make sure they happened on time.

The last few years were tough on Darlene, but she had a new home at Riverview. They took good care of her, and she kept them all on her toes. She loved it when Jim and family would come and always gave advice for Stephanie. We cannot thank Jana and team enough for the care they provided Darlene, the last year and a half.

She is survived, by her youngest son, Jim, and his wife, Barb and only grandchild, Stephanie. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Dana (Carole), nieces: Kristen Hutchinson and Karen DeFrancesca and their families and nephews: Keith Prather, Jeff Amis and TC Evans and their families.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, husband Virgil, sons, John and Jay, brother Everett (Verlie) Amis, and sister Geraldine.

To watch the service live please click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/live/SGQ6B6DrRTE?si=B0N79Z8IX9vuNSLX