Obituary for Barbara Jean Pratt

Barbara Jean Pratt “Barb” 79 of Cedar Rapids, passed Monday December 6, 2021, Unity Point St. Luke’s hospital. Memorial service will be held Friday December 10, 2021, 10 am at The Salvation Army  1000 C Ave NW, Cedar Rapids. 

Barb was born, June 3, 1942 in Southern Iowa to Forrest and Leila “Maxine” Wallerich. She was raised in Richland Iowa, where she attend school and helped with her younger siblings.

At age 16 she became a mom and later married, Nelson “Dee” De La Vergne. They would make their home in the Cedar Rapids area, raising their 6 children  together for about 16 years. 

In the early 70’s she met Duane Pratt,  on September 8, 1972 they married and had 1 child a year later. Barb worked hard caring for her children. They made their home in the Cedar Rapids area for 49 years.
She was a hard working wife and mother, starting in hotels, helping neighbors and than found herself at National Oats. Over time she learned her job and stayed with the company until she was released when the company was sold. She was able to attend Hamilton College and get her degree in Accounting and graduate in 1992. She however found other employment and worked a variety of jobs.

In the late 70s she started attending church with her children at the Salvation Army. She participated in many activities and programs over the 40 years. She became a soldier, taking on lead rolls for the women’s program and with the youth. During her retirement time she would volunteer to help in other areas as needed. She also enjoyed attending camp for the women and seniors.

Barb lived a simple life and as her children grew up, starting their own families. She would be eager to spend time with her grandchildren, taking the opportunity to bake with them and even teaching some how to crochet. She loved her grandchildren,  making a blanket, when born and a bigger one at their request.

Her family grew, 7 children, 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren,  and 1 great great- grandchild plus all her step grandchildren. She always enjoyed time with family, vacations,  traveling by car always, from Colorado,  Oklahoma,  Tennessee,  Pennsylvania and in between. 

Her free time was spent, crafting, bowling, camping, fishing and so many things.

Barb is survived by her husband Duane, children: Terry Wallerich, Nelson (Deborah), Dakota,  Tom De La Verge,  Kathy Morgan and Tara (Bill) Kelly.  Her 32 grand to great great grandchildren, her siblings: John, Ron, Dick, Charlie,   Gary, Jackie, Larry,  Judy,  Patty, Mike, Alan, step brother Jerry and step mother, Charlotte. As well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, daughter: Lahoma, step sister: Debby, 2 brother-in-laws and 1 sister-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army.