Marian E. Pratt

Marian E. Pratt, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great-grandmother, aunt and friend to many, passed away on April 20 at her Assisted Living residence, Park Visalia, where she had lived for the last six years. She considered Park Visalia her “home” and was contented to be there at the end of her life at age 99. She felt loved and cared for by the staff and her many friends there. Marian’s family deeply appreciates all the tender and thoughtful care given to Marian by those who took care of her over the last six years at Park Visalia.

Marian was born in 1922 in Dinuba, California, the first-born of Benjamin and Enid (Elam) Snow, both natives of Tulare County. Marian and her two siblings, Madelyn (Iden) and Benjamin Jr. enjoyed a happy childhood with their parents on their small family farm. Marian loved telling stories of those early good years, about her dad growing grapes and venturing into dairying. The Snow family enjoyed the simple life, with the added unconditional love and devotion of their extended families.

Those early years were foundational and memorable for Marian. Life, however, became difficult as the Great Depression slowly took over their lives. The Snow Family lost their beloved family farm and moved into town and eventually to Visalia where Marian’s mom was able to keep the family afloat by getting a job with the County of Tulare (located in part of the same building complex that is now the Darling Hotel). While Marian’s dad did farm-related odd jobs, Marian did her part too, during these difficult times. She never forgot her job at the local drive-in on West Main St., Reed and Bell, where Marian’s boss kept a stern eye on her to be sure that she produced 8 hamburger patties from every pound of hamburger.

In 1939, Marian graduated from Visalia Union High School and soon married Glenn Pratt, a native Visalian and aspiring young farmer. Glenn went to great lengths to win her heart and hand, even dipping into his meager farm savings to catch her eye with a brand new 1940 fox-toned Ford Coupe.

With hard work, and long hours and dedication through many years, Marian and Glenn built Pratt Ranches, a successful farming venture on Ben Maddox Way in Visalia, producing an abundance of successful cotton, corn, and grain crops. They eventually also bought a ranch in northeastern Oregon. The Pratts raised five children, who were all a part of the successful family venture.

Marian and Glenn experienced ups and downs, successes and failures… the full scope of the story of a large farm family. Extended family and friends were always valued. Marian was guided until the end of her life by the hard work, ethics, and strength which she developed and which guided her throughout her 99 years.

A highlight for the Pratts included becoming members of the California Flying Farmers. Glenn learned to fly, with Marian as his able co-pilot, and they enjoyed many flights around the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Guatemala. In their later years, they found joy in their extensive travels and adventures in their motor home.

Marian was always a lady with busy and helping hands. She was the quintessential farm wife who gave completely to her family and friends, and… yes…, unfailingly cooked 3 square meals a day. The first was on the table at 6 a.m. each morning, as her surviving children still remember. Before the farm operation got too complicated and grew into Pratt Ranches, Marian was the sole bookkeeper for many years. Marian was able to enrich her days with volunteer work; she loved PTA, 4H gardening classes, and the KDDH Hospital Guild.

Marian’s green thumb was known to many. In addition to a wide array of lush flowers, plants, trees and vegetables, she always had a bountiful and extraordinary rose garden. She generously allowed friends and family to pick roses at peak season. Marian took her gardening skills (and her tools) to Park Visalia where she was allowed a place to garden in the court yard. Until the age of 98, to the delight of all, she grew multitudes of beautiful flowers, well exceeding the boundaries of her allotted space (Park Visalia graciously indulged her). Marian always shared her floral harvest and left her signature bouquets around the premises.

Marian was predeceased in 1994 by her husband, Glenn L. Pratt and by two children, Gary G. Pratt in 1997 and Carol Bohland in 2013. She is survived by three children: Ron Pratt (Carol) of North Powder, Oregon; Susan Franciskovich (Dean) of Visalia and Steve Pratt (Ida) of Tulare. Marian’s family also includes 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-grandchild, 3 nieces, 2 nephews and cousins.

Visitation will held on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel located at 1120 W. Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291. Funeral Services will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 30, 2021 at Miller Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Visalia Public Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Pratt family.