Obituary of Mary Prater

Mary Ann Schmidt was born in Monroe, Michigan on December 16, 1937. She was the daughter of the late Mary Ruth Elmer. She was raised by her mother and step-father Fred Billmaier. As a girl she attended Monroe Public Schools. Boots, as she was known by friends and family, married Roy Eugene Prater. In 1986 she graduated from Erie Mason High School and later attended accounting classes at Monroe County Community College. Boots was employed for many years as a bartender for Charlie's Bar in LaSalle. Boots enjoyed games of chance and loved to play bingo and the lottery. She could often be found visiting the casino as well. She loved family functions and the great outdoors. She enjoyed camping, bank fishing, and canoeing on the Rifle River. She played on a pool league for many years. She was also an avid reader. Mary Ann "Boots" Prater age 73 of Monroe passed away at 8:02pm, Sunday, November 27, 2011 at her home. Her passing in addition to her parents was preceded by her husband in May of 1959; a daughter-in-law: Carol Prater in 2006; siblings: Bill Schmidt, Richard "Schmitty" Schmidt, Harold Schmidt, Katherine Johnson, and Donny Schmidt; and a sister-in-law: Adeline Schmidt. To cherish her memory Boots leaves five sons: Ron Prater of Monroe, James (Debbie) Prater of Point Place, Toledo, Roy "Cook" (Mary Beth) Prater of Newport, Jody (Tammy Ramirez) Prater of South Rockwood, and Ryan (Joanne) Prater of Monroe; two brothers: Tom (Gwen) Schmidt of Erie and Fred (Karen) Billmaier of Ida; one sister: Margaret "Sis" (Art) Hatfield of Monroe; eleven grandchildren: Jamie Lynn Prater, Jenna Prater, Sean (Christina) Vergowven, Roy Prater III, Adam Benjamin Prater, Jordan Ramirez, Jessica Gibson, Salena Gibson, Ryan Lynch, Jordan Gibson, and Jared Prater; one of her best friends: Missy; and many nieces and nephews. Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm, Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where a Celebration of Her Life will take place at 1:00pm, Thursday, December 1, 2011. Procession will follow to LaSalle Township Cemetery for burial. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, make a donation, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page. Memorial donations for those who desire are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospice or Monroe Cancer Center.