Blanche Dickinson Pratt

BLANCHE DICKINSON PRATT Kennewick, Wash. MuellerÕs Chapel of the Falls Blanche Dickinson Pratt, 99, of Kennewick, died Thursday, March 13, 2003, at Kennewick General Hospital. She was born in Tekoa, WA, to William S. and Ora Dickinson, the fourth of 12 children, on September 21, 1903, and moved to Kennewick when she was 6 years old. She graduated from Kennewick High School in 1921. She married Joseph C. Pratt in 1921 and they raised three children. Together they were active in many community services and affairs. They established the Inter-City bus line and Mrs. Pratt drove the bus in 1942 and 1943. They also owned and operated an automotive repair shop in Kennewick. She was a member of the WomenÕs Club, the Althea Rebekah Lodge where she was awarded the Declaration of Chivalry from the state and was a member for 70 years. She was a member of the Locust Grove Grange for over 75 years and was awarded the Gold Sheaf. She was also a member of the Locust Grove Home Circle, and the Pink and Green Club. She was KennewickÕs first Woman of Achievement in 1948. She was a co-founder and first president of the East Benton County Historical Society, which owns and operates the East Benton County Museum. Mrs. Pratt was very active in the Democratic Party activities at the local and state level. She served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1960. She was very active in working with her husband, J.C. Pratt, in civic activities including his role as Fire Chief, Mayor of Kennewick, and Benton County Assessor. Mrs. Pratt was preceded in death by her husband in 1974, and by her daughter, Irma, in 1992. She is survived by two sisters Grace Bowers and Betty Thiel, both of Kennewick; two sons Joseph C. of Selah, WA, and William D. of Richland; her care giver Cindy Martinez; eight grandchildren, fourteen greatgrandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2003, at Riverview Heights Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the East Benton County Historical Society, 205 Keewaydin Drive, Kennewick, WA 99336.