Rilda Elizabeth (Prater)

Rilda Elizabeth Prater Austin, passed from this life on October 1, 2025, at Maury Regional Hospital in Columbia Tennessee.

Rilda was the daughter of Charlie and Rachel Prater. She was born October 20, 1939, in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Rilda was married to her childhood sweetheart,Tommy Austin, in November, 1955, until his death in 2008. Together, they raised four children.

Rilda enjoyed cooking, crocheting, canning her homegrown vegetables, and making a home in which everyone was always welcome. She always had a meal to share with as many children, grandchildren and friends that happen to drop by. She was famous for her chicken and dumplings. She also loved to fish and work in her flowers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Rachel Prater, her husband,Tommy, a daughter, Annette Jones, and a son in law, Shannon Wright, as well as four brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her daughter, Meshell (Glenn) Steele, son, Terry (Twila) Austin, daughter, Susie Wright and one sister, Nancy O'Brien. She will be missed by seven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 4, 2025, at London Funeral Home and Crematory from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. She will be cremated and her ashes will be buried at Short Cemetery with a private ceremony at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Senior Citizen's Meals on Wheels Program for Marshall County.

London Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to assist the family with arrangements.