Barbara Lee Pratt

Barbara Lee Pratt, 91, passed away peacefully at her residence on the morning of October 17, 2017. Barbara or “Bobbie” as she was known to friends and family, was born in Alderson, West Virginia to Wyona Lee (Smith) and James Albert Rigg. She earned a B.A. Degree in English Literature from Denison University, Granville, Ohio, where she was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority. She earned a post graduate degree in Early Childhood Education from National College of Education, Evanston, Illinois. Bobbie was a dedicated volunteer throughout her adult life. Through her church, she was an active member of the Central State Task Force which ministered to adult women residents at Central State Hospital. Bobbie tutored illiterate adults using the Laubach literacy approach. She was an active volunteer for one of the first hospice programs in the city at Methodist Hospital. Bobbie was a delegate to the National Academy for Spiritual Formation for the United Methodist Church. She was instrumental in bringing this program to Indiana. She brought joy to many through clown ministry. Her small group and prayer group ministry were very important to her. Bobbie enjoyed travel in the United States and abroad with her husband of 67 years, Jim, and attending conferences and workshops related to her interests. Her life-long love of nature came from growing up in the mountains of West Virginia and she was a supporter of groups such as the Nature Conservancy and Sierra Club. Bobbie was also an avid reader. Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Pratt; and son, Philip H. Pratt. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Ratz; son, Jim W. Pratt (Gail Nordstrom); granddaughter, Lauren Knoop; grandson, John Ratz (Katie Arbuckle); and great-granddaughter, Annabelle Knoop. A celebration of Bobbie’s life will take place Monday, November 6, 2017 at Church of the Saviour United Methodist, 6205 Rucker Road, Indianapolis, with visitation at the church from 3:30 p.m. until the time of service at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Saviour. Final care and arrangements are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel.

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Barbara Lee Pratt

May 7, 1926 - October 17, 2017