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BORN
1939
DIED
2013
Ralph Prater Obituary
COSHOCTON: Ralph Prater, 73, Adams Mills, went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 1, 2013, at his home in Adams Mills.
Born September 12, 1939 in Pike County, Kentucky, Ralph was the son of the late Hupper and Suzie (Endicott) Prater.
A 1959 graduate of Ridgewood High School, he had been a deep mine coal miner for the former Peabody Coal Company for many years. Ralph and his wife Wilma (Donley) Prater who he married December 3, 1965 owned and operated Prater's Highway Market for over 30 years in Adams Mills.
He served in the U. S. Navy from September 15, 1959 to November 3, 1961.
Ralph was an avid reader and enjoyed the bluegrass gospel sings at the Dresden First Baptist Church of which he was a member.
In addition to his wife, Ralph will truly be missed by his son Zach (Tina) Prater; two grandchildren Amber (Steve Hixon) Prater, Kendra (Michael Butler) Prater; two great-grandchildren Kathren and Kayden Prater all of Adams Mills; four brothers Julius Prater of Pataskala, Arnel (Area) Prater of Coshocton, Hoy (Dolly) Prater of Plainfield, Earl (Jane) Prater of Conesville; a sister Ruby (Charles) Barnes of Lancaster; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by an infant daughter Wilma Prater, a sister Ruth McCoy and two brothers Luther and Eugene Prater.
A celebration of Ralph's homegoing will be held at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 5, 2013, at the Free Funeral Home, Coshocton with Pastor Joe Offenberger officiating. Music will be provided by the Dresden First Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Adams Mills Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the Coshocton County Veterans Council.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 4, 2013, from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Free Funeral Home.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.coshoctontribune.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Prater
JACKIE KRAUSE
February 15, 2013
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE BUT REJOICEING IN THE FACT HE IS WITH
HIS SAVIOR NOW AND HAS NO MORE PAIN. KEEP LOOKING TO GOD HE WILL GET YOU THREW THIS TIME OF TRIAL.
Carrie (Maple) Fadley
February 7, 2013
So sorry to hear Ralph has passed. I pray you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have. May god bless your family.
Angie Moses
February 7, 2013
Sorry for the loss of Ralph. He will be missed when visiting the Market!!! Thinking of you during this time of sorrow!
Sherry Miller
February 6, 2013
Wilma, Zach, Tina and family, so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing...he will be truly missed at the market as I visited there with my Dad( gone now since 1997) and then bringing my boys as they grew up, now bringing my granddaughter a few times, Ralph always had a plum or strawberry for the little one's, and a story to go along with it, such a caring person and truly will be missed! Sherry (Dunmire)Miller and family
Colonel Ed Johnson, USAF, retired
February 5, 2013
Dear Wilma, Arnel, Thurman and family, So sorry to receive a call from Stanley Baker about Ralph's death. I rode the school bus with Ralph as a student at Plainfield School, along with all his brothers and sisters. Always enjoyed stopping at the store in our motor coach on trips home from Texas. The last visit I had with Ralph was in his home when he had me sample a piece of his special home cooked ham, complete with an apple for Jean on the coach. Like his many friends have said, Ralph was a kind hearted man who will be missed in the community. May God Bless his soul and be with the family after the celebration of his life today in Coshocton.
Rex and Paula Cullins
February 5, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss. Will miss seeing him every time We come to ohio to visit. It won't be the same not hearing a story. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family
February 5, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
Lila Mitch
February 5, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss.We loved going to your store.Please know you are in our prayers.Don Kennedy and Bruce and Terrie Brown
Jennifer Trego
February 5, 2013
Sorry for your loss. Rest in peace.
Art and Vicky Chaney
February 5, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will cherish our memories of conversations with him at the market. May God's love comfort you.
February 5, 2013
Sorry for your loss, Mr Prater was a great man.
Bob & Bev Pettit
Bernie& Faye Maple
February 4, 2013
Wilma and Family Sorry to hear about Ralph passing.He will be missed, you all have our sympatyhy. Love & Prayers Bernie& Faye Maple
Patty Bichaed
February 4, 2013
Sorry to read of Mr.Praters passing.
May your tears of sadness turn to smiles of fond memories as the time passes.
Our Family is a regular customer at the store during canning season. Mr. Praters warm greeting will be missed by my boys.
February 4, 2013
Wilma,Zach and family we are so sorry to hear of Ralphs passing. have many of fond memories of our years in adams mills. Ralph was allways there for everyone young and old and will be dearly missed.
the
belchers Chuck, Lois,Jodi,Paige and Chad
Larry and Nancy Widder
February 4, 2013
Wilma,,Zach and Family,,Our deepest Sympathy to all of your Family......We so enjoyed talking to Ralph at the Market,,our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time,,,Sincerely,,,Larry and Nancy Widder
Ed & Mary Melrose
February 4, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss of Ralph. We will keep you all in our prayers. He had the most endearing smile for everyone & will be missed by many.May God comfort you all at this time. Love to you all. Ed & Mary Melrose
Missy Doug Ridenbaugh
February 4, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Della Young-Jackson
February 4, 2013
We are so sorry for the loss of our cousin Ralph. He will be so missed. We lost dad, Ersel Young, in November and know how hard it is, just take it one day at a time.
Kenny & Corliss Corder
February 4, 2013
To Wilma, Zach, Tina, and Family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We know how much you will miss Ralph. You are all in our prayers.
Gary Gosser
February 4, 2013
So sorry to hear of Mr. Prater's passing. My dad, Bud Gosser, use to buy from his market quite often. God Bless Ralph's family.
Leslie Addy
February 4, 2013
So sorry to hear about the passing of Ralph he was such a gentle and kind soul. I remember him from when my Dad was alive and used to stop at the market when I was a kid and he would always give us a banana. I always stopped in to see him when I came home on vacation. Will be a hard year this year not seeing his smile. May God be with you all in your time of need.
Tim and Susan Markel
February 4, 2013
Arnel and Arrea, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
February 4, 2013
Dear Tina,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time of your loss.
Take care and may God as always Bless.
Love,
Judy Wagner
Ranpise and Workman family
February 4, 2013
prayers are with your family.Sorry to hear about Ralph,I always liked talking to him .
Milford Workman
February 4, 2013
Sorry to hear about Ralph.He will be missed..Our prayers are with your family.
February 4, 2013
My heart is sad for your family. Ralph will be missed by all who knew him. Robin and Reed Tackett
February 4, 2013
Wilma, Zach, and Tina,
I was so sorry to read of Ralph's passing. May you feel comfort from the Lord, as He is wrapping His arms around you. No more suffering, no more pain for Ralph.
Lynette Mealey
Julius Prater
February 3, 2013
Thinking of you and your family with warmest regards and fond memories.
Julius and family
Angie Cooper Moses
February 3, 2013
Zac, Tina, Wilma, and family sending you prayers. Know that he is no longer in pain. thinking of you and know you are being thought of at this difficult time.
Brenda and Brody Smythe
February 3, 2013
Wilma and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Sheryl Williams
February 3, 2013
Wilma, Praying for you and your family in the passing of Ralph. God be with you all.
Sincerely,
Sheryl Starner Williams
February 3, 2013
Prater family,
So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He was such a nice guy and will be missed by many friends.My thoughts and prayers are with each of you in your loss.
Sandy(King)Patterson (hardees/cvs)
Sherrill Newell
February 3, 2013
Wilma and Family,I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. Remember the good times and the stories and time will heal all that is missing in your hearts.
marilyn lillibridge
February 3, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
sheryl & tim guthrie
February 3, 2013
Zach,Tina,Wilma & Family
May our Lord comfort you in your grief. We have you in our thoughts and prayers. The world wont be the same without Ralph's smile and jokes. We know he is Pain free and at Peace now with our Lord.
Sheryl Worthington-Guthrie & Tim and the Sunafrank Family members who grew up with him.
Lucrettia young, Estep
February 3, 2013
So sorry to hear about Ralph, Our prayers are with the family.The Family of Ersel Young
February 3, 2013
We shall miss this gentle giant of a Man, a member of the Class of 1959 WLHS. He now sits at the right hand of God at the Lords table to eat of the hidden Manna.
Class of 1959
Beckie McInerney
February 3, 2013
Wilma, & family,
So sorry for the loss of Ralph, he is no longer with pain... may your fond memories give you comfort & strength...
Beckie Starner McInerney
February 3, 2013
Wilma and Family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack & Kathy Holdsworth
Ralph Howard, Jr.
February 3, 2013
Prater Family: Sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. My father and mother always enjoyed coming down to your store and would bring my wife and myself with them. We still get down every once in a while but always look forward to coming. When my father passed away you delivered a nice tray to my mother. That speaks volumes of the great people you are. May GOD comfort you in this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. Ralph & Susan Howard
Brad, Tracy Carnes
February 3, 2013
Zach and family,we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
February 3, 2013
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Ralph Prater. My prayers for his wife & family. Ralph and his parents were neighbors of mine for many years and we rode the same bus to the Plainfield School. His father Hupper worked at the Green Coal Mine with my father. We enjoyed talking to Ralph at his market and at the Prater/Green reunions. He will be missed by his many friends.
Stan Baker
Ken Spencer
February 3, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family! I'm so sorry for this loss. Ralph is in the glory of the Kingdom of God.
Stormy Renner
February 3, 2013
Ralph was one of nicest people I knew growing up in Adams Mills. He became a large part of life in that area. I can not think of growing up in Adams Mills without thinking of Ralph and Wilma. My thoughts and prayers to this family from the Renner's
Chuck & Becky Chapman
February 3, 2013
Your family will be in our prayers during this time of loss, we will miss Ralph very much in the neighborhood.
JERRY BOWMAN
February 3, 2013
SO SORRY.
Nadine Jennings and Danny Collins
February 3, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bob & Lois Beers
February 3, 2013
Wilma,
We were sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Martha Eckelberry-Foreman
February 3, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Classmate & Friend
February 3, 2013
Wilma, we are thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort for you and all your family.
Dale and Kay Vandenbark
February 3, 2013
WILMA, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT RALPH PASSING AWAY. I ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING TO HIM WHEN WE STOPPED BY THE MARKET.YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. BONNIE AND DON HAGUE
stanley & valerie Mahon and Family
February 2, 2013
We alway's enjoyed talking with Ralph when we came to the store. He alway's greeted folk's with a smile. He will be missed. Our pray'ers are with his family.
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