Marie Haas Prater, 88, died peacefully on January 24. She was born in Springfield to Henry and Inez Tracy Haas. Marie attended Springfield High School and graduated from Drury College as a proud Pi Beta Phi. After graduation she moved to St. Louis with her four best friends to seek fame and fortune. While there she fell in love with another Springfield native, Dr. Bill Prater. They returned to Springfield, married in 1956 and in short order were the proud parents of three children.

In line with her belief that one needs to serve the community in which they lived, Marie was dedicated to her hometown. With like-minded friends, she helped establish the Visiting Nurse Association, The Kitchen Foundation, and the endowment for the Junior League. Marie also served on the boards of The Community Foundation of the Ozarks, The Junior League, the Mary E Wilson Home, Drury College, and others. In honor of her many years of service, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Junior League of Springfield in 2003 and was named Humanitarian of the Year by the CFO in 2007.

Marie had a wide range on interests and was a strong supporter of the arts and education. She loved to travel, play bridge, cook, and spend time with her family. Her five grandchildren always kept her entertained and young at heart.

Marie was predeceased by Bill, her husband of 62 years, and her sister Janice Haas. She is survived by her children Tom and Kim Prater of Springfield, Amy and John Wesner of Dallas, and Chris and Karen Prater of Wichita. She will be missed by her loving grandchildren Ford, Mac, Allie, Bryn, and Jackson. The Prater family gives special thanks to Debbie Secrease, Marie's longtime caregiver, who held a special place in Marie's heart for her constant loving care.

No memorial service is planned; a celebration of life will be held later in the year.

Marie's family would welcome memorial contributions to the Community Foundation of the Ozarks or Drury University. Arrangements are under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.