Doris E. Ward Prater, 99, passed away on March 13, 2020, at Mary Rutan Hospital, Bellefontaine. Born in Logan County on Jan. 16, 1921, to Jesse M. and Hazel M. Stutzman Headings, Doris was welcomed to the family by her brother, Boyd V. Headings.
Mrs. Prater was graduated from DeGraff High School class of 1939 and from the Springfield City Hospital School of Nursing in 1943 earning her license as a registered nurse. On Dec. 18, 1942, Doris married Stewart R. Ward in Covington, Kentucky. After 58 years, Stewart preceded Doris in death on Aug. 15, 2000.
A lifelong member of the Philadelphia Lutheran Church, Doris taught Sunday school classes, was a member of the Ladies Aid Society, served as communion steward and vacation bible school teacher. In the early 1940’s, Doris was employed at Wilson Memorial Hospital and in the early 1970’s at Mary Rutan Hospital. Doris devoted most of her adult life raising her children, supporting her family, and participating in the daily operation of the family farm.
On April 15, 2002, Doris was married to Russell I. Prater, who survives in West Liberty. She and Russell enjoyed their senior years together, first in Marion, then as residents of the Green Hills Community.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, her daughter, Kathy R. Ward, her first husband, Stewart R. Ward, and her son-in-law, Neil E. Dawson.
Doris is survived by Michael R. (Sheila) Ward of Bellefontaine, and their son Christopher Ward, Dennis L. (Sherry) Ward of Waterville, and his children, Stacy R. (Chris) Beckner and Steven R. (Erika) Ward, Deann Y. Ward of Yellow Springs, Mark D. (Teresa) Ward of DeGraff, and his children Alison (Chris) Adams, Elizabeth (Steven) Wolf, and Rebekah (Lance) Troyer. Doris is also survived by her husband, Russell I. Prater and his children, Stephen (Nancy) Prater of Dublin and Mark (Susan Roush) Prater of Wakefield, Rhode Island and their son Christopher. Mrs. Prater is survived by 4 additional grandchildren, Beth (Mark) Collins, Michelle (Kelly) Taylor, Jill Worrell and Kellea (Sean) Wilkinson, 26 great grandchildren and 6 great, great grandchildren.
Friends and family are invited to a visitation with Doris’s family from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 101 Zanesfield Road in West Liberty. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the funeral home with Pastor Ken Neighoff officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio.
Doris asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to Philadelphia Lutheran Church, 5506 Township Road 201, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in West Liberty and online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.edsfh.com.