Barbara Jean Prather

Prather, Barbara Jean, 63, of Berthoud, Colorado, died Friday, May 30, 2008, at McKee Medical Center in Loveland. Barbara was born May 17, 1945, in Sidney, Nebraska, to Ernest H. Smith and Marie L. Jacobs. She was baptized June 17, 1945, at the St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sidney. Barbara's confirmation took place at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church on Palm Sunday of 1959. She graduated from Sidney High School in 1963, and on July 7, 1963, married the love of her life, Melvin Dale Prather.Barbara had the joy of being a wife, mother, grandmother, and a cherished friend. She had a zest for life; she was easy going and loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Barbara and Melvin started their own venture raising Alpacas that continues to this day. She greeted the challenges presented to her with the resolve and fight of a United States Marine. Her parents; sister, Dena Gilstrap; and a brother, Clifford Smith precede Barbara in death.She is survived by her husband, Melvin Dale Prather; daughter, Stephanie K. and Donald Trotter; son, Bryon (Terry) Prather; brother, Robert Smith; grandchildren, Desirae and Elizabeth Trotter, and Mary B. of Ohio.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2008, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Longmont. Committal services and interment will be held in Eckley Cemetery in Eckley, Colorado, at 2:30 p.m. on Monday.Memorial contributions may be made to the Barbara Jean Prather Memorial Fund, c/o Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, CO 80501. Donations will be distributed between the American Cancer Society and local cancer care centers of the family's choosing. Please share your thoughts, memories and kind words with the family at www.howemortuary.com