Mary Ellen Prater

Mrs. Prater was born and raised in Lacrosse, Wisconsin to Gertrude Jane and Joseph Dolato. She moved to Chicago during WWII where she met and married Robert Harrison Prater, a Chattanooga native. Together they moved back to Chattanooga where she was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church since 1957, volunteered with Ladies of Charity, and belonged to the Brainerd Women’s Golf Association.

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 55 years, Robert H. Prater.

Survivors include her sons, Chris (Jo Ann) Prater, Harry Prater, Robert Prater, Michael (Debbie) Prater, and John (Anita) Prater; grandchildren, Doug, Brendan, and Rebekah Prater, Sarah (Neal) Prater Walsh, and Mark, Anna, Rachael, Amy and Allison Prater; and great-granddaughter, Magnolia Walsh.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 PM on Sunday with a 4:30 PM Rosary Service at the funeral home.

Mass Services will be at 10 AM on Monday at OLPH Catholic Church with Father Jim Vick officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to OLPH Catholic Church (501 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412 or the Alzheimer’s Association (7625 Hamilton Park Drive, Suite 8, Chattanooga, TN 37421).

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist. 404 South Moore Road.