Harriette "Peggy" Pratt

Harriette Irene Cooley, or Peggy Pratt to her family and friends, was born on April 23rd, 1933 in Sacaton, AZ, on the Gila Reservation, the daughter of Albert Walter and Daisy (Wolfchief) Cooley. She grew up with two brothers and one sister, Ruth, Albert and Redbird. She was born into a proud Cheyenne Arapaho family, that never knew the word “cannot!” From an early age she taught to believe in herself and all she was capable of doing. Her father worked in the interment camps for the Japanese People during WWII, helping to get water to the vegetables and plants they raised to make ends meet. Upon graduating high school, she joined the United States Air Force during the height of the Korean War, and became a parachute rigger, serving her country and her people honorably from August 5th, 1952 until she was discharged in June 23rd, 1954 in Andrews Air Force Base. Never afraid to take the lead, she served with a group of men, working tirelessly alongside them, for as long as it took to get the job done. Once out of the military, she entered university at Albuquerque, NM, and began her studies to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Upon graduating, she began a long and distinguished career lasting for over 60 years, taking care of those entrusted to her care, until she retired at the age of 84. Her favorite job was raising her six adored children, William, Eldon, Daisy, Chauncina, Diana, and William. They were her pride and joy. She loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren, fishing, camping and boating. She always had pets around, she loved animals and they trusted her, from the cockatiels to the fighting fish, everyone found a home with Peggy. She was artistically talented, painting in oils and chalk. She could touch any plant and make it bloom, garden to raise vegetables so she could can the produce, she crocheted and could cook a wicked tamale, fried chicken and dumplings. She enjoyed watching TV, especially the old classics like “Gunsmoke.” Her wonderful sense of humor and her infectious laugh made people happy just to be in her presence. She had the drive and skill to teach herself to fix anything on her house, from plumbing to the electrical, she could make it work. She even built a couple of homes in her day and time. Never one to sit down and be idle, she always saved a little time to be with the grandchildren she adored. She worked, and worked some more. From St. Joseph’s Childrens Hospital to over 30 years at Cherokee County Nursing Center in Tahlequah, she made every life she touched just a little bit better for her being there. Her health deteriorated and she passed from this life on November 7th, 2021 at her home, surrounded by those who knew and loved her best. She was 88 years old and leaves a legacy of living boldly, loving without boundaries and accomplishing all the dreams she had.

She has gone on to join her grandparents, Mastamaha Wolfchief and wife Hilda Throwsfirst, Albert Walter Cooley Sr and wife Marian Rhoades, her mother and father, one brother Albert, one sister, Ruth, youngest son, William Pratt III, great grandchild Layla Rainy Grass and great grandson, Baby Boy Blackfox.

She will be cherished by her children, William St Clair of Tahlequah, Eldon St Clair of Skiatook, Daisy Nells and husband James of Park Hill, OK, Chauncina Blackfox of Tahlequah, and Diana Orr and husband Clint of Locust Grove, OK. She leaves one brother, Redbird Cooley and wife Genevieve of Gallup, NM. She will live on in her 23 grandchildren, Brandon Grass and wife Charmayne of Jenks, Cassie Gutierrez and husband Alex of Tulsa, Ariel Bighorse and husband Anthony of Locust Grove, Cody St Clair and wife Cyndi of Laramie , WY, Cammi Capps and husband Chris of Ft Collins, CO, Meko St Clair of Laramie, WY, Sophia St Clair of Skiatook, OK Phillip Daw Jr of McCloud, OK, Paul Daw and companion Veronica Gambler of Riverton, WY, Lee Nells and wife Sonja of Moodys, OK, Lena Nells of Park Hill, OK, Lance Nells and companion Lana Turner of Moodys, OK, Elijah Nells of Washington, and April Beaver and husband Robbie of Stilwell, OK, Stephanie Blackfox of Tulsa, Chauncina Blackfox of Tulsa, Reese Blackfox of Tulsa, Nina Cooley and husband Jerokin of Tulsa , Tisha Blackfox Tulsa, Lewis Blackfox of Tulsa, Jeffery St Clair of Tahlequah, Jerrod St Clair of Tahlequah, Brittney Nells and companion Aaron Tucker of Park Hill, 52 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Harriette Irene “Peggy” Cooley-Pratt will be conducted on Friday, November 12th, 2021 at 10AM at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor Bill Holcomb officiating. Her family will have a visitation on Wednesday, November 10th, 2021 beginning at 1:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Reed-Culver Chapel. She will be laid to rest at Tahlequah City Cemetery. Her pallbearers will be Brandon Grass, Lewis Blackfox, Meko St Clair, Evan Cooley, Jerrod St Clair and Lance Nells. Online condolences for her family may be left at www.reedculver.com.