Vicky Prather

Vicky Joy Prather, 65, of rural Bushnell, formerly of Rushville, died at 8:02 AM, Thursday, January 13, 2022, at the OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, of multiple health complications.

She was born on December 19, 1956, in Rushville, the daughter of Virgil and Virginia (Burnside) Prather.  They preceded her in death along with her brother Paul Prather, sister Sheila “Hag” Prather, and grandparents Henry and Frieda Burnside and Clifford and Elvere Prather, and step grandmother Florence Prather.

Surviving are her siblings Rex Prather and wife Nicky of Rushville, Penny Scrogum and husband Michael of Macomb, Victor Prather and Marshall Prather and wife Glenna all of Rushville, aunts Glenna Prather of Mt. Sterling and Joyce Prather of Rushville, uncle Tom Burnside and wife Barb of St. Louis, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vicky graduated in 1975 from Rushville High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb.  After graduation, she enlisted in the Peace Corps and spent two years in Gambia, Africa.  Upon returning to the states, she entered the nursing program at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.  She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur for 14 years.

After a devastating divorce following her 16 year marriage, she lost her country dream home and moved to McDonough County.  She then worked as a Registered Nurse for McDonough District Hospital in Macomb until 2014.  She truly loved working there.  She purchased her second dream home in rural Bushnell, a very private ranch and surrounded by farmland and a pond.

Vicky loved Jesus and her Pomeranian dogs that she owned through the years.  She had a tender spot in her heart for all animals.  Her first Pom, Max, was named after an uncle and her current dog was named Virgil, after her dad.

A Celebration of Vicky’s Life will be at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 20, 2022, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville, with Pastor Judy Davenport officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville.  Memorials are suggested to the New Life Christian Camp Association in Rushville or the McDonough County Humane Society.