Marcheta Prater

Marcheta Prater, age 91, of Middletown, Ohio passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in her home surrounded by family. She was born February 26, 1934 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Paul and Freda (Gray) Johnston.

Marcheta was a graduate of Western Hills High School. She and her husband, Bill, owned IGA grocery stores in Harrison and Ross, Ohio. Together, they loved to travel around the world, follow the Cincinnati Reds, spend winters in Florida, and gather with other store owners. They always opened their homes and hearts to family, friends, and employees.

Marcheta loved to sew, especially cross-stitched quilts and wall decor. She also loved to make and mail greeting cards. She enjoyed playing card games, dominoes, and bowling. She spent countless hours shuttling her children to activities. Marcheta was a very enthused cheerleader at her kids’, grandkids' and great-grandkids' sporting events. She was a member of Breiel Boulevard First Church of God in Middletown, OH.

Marcheta is preceded in death by her parents; son, Todd Prater; sister, JoAnn Campbell, and six brothers, Karl Johnston, Bill Johnston, George Johnston, John Johnston, Paul Johnston and Glenn Johnston.

Marcheta is survived by her husband of 70 years, Bill Prater; son, Tab Prater; daughter, Tawnya (Jeff) Bonnell; four grandchildren, Erica (Greg) Kain, Ashley Prater, Katie (Ethan) Hodge, and Kyle Bonnell; five great-grandchildren, Emma Bonnell, Will Taylor, Sierra Worthington, Abbie Hodge, and Samuel Hodge; brother, Doug (Vicky) Johnston; and special niece, Pam (Joe) Palumbo.

Visitation will be 2:00 PM-3:00 PM on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Home, 517 South Sutphin Street, Middletown, OH 45044. A Funeral Service will follow at 3:00 PM with Pastor Janet Rader officiating. Private burial will be at Arlington Memorial Gardens, Cincinnati, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Breiel Church, 2000 N. Breiel Blvd. Middletown, OH 45042.