Marilyn Mayme Pratt

Marilyn Mayme Pratt, passed away Friday, November 18, 2016 at Fieldstone Memory Care, Yakima, WA. She was 87 years old. Marilyn was born May 22, 1928 in Centralia, WA to Mayme (Cophenhauer) Davis and D. Howard Davis. Her parents moved to Wenatchee, WA where Marilyn attended grade school through twelve. Her most memorable times growing up were riding her horse Blaze, and time spent with cousins in Wilbur, WA. In 1942 the family bought a one room cabin at Lake Chelan that had been pushed over the bulkhead in what is now known as the Slide Ridge area. They placed it on concrete blocks and began enjoying the full amenities such as an outhouse, kerosene lanterns and a hand water pump, the beginning of four generations of exposure to Lake Chelan

Everyone growing up in that era looked forward to their first paying job in the fruit warehouses during the summer. And because of the war, jobs were more prevalent. So Marilyn became a part of the famed cherry artisans who double-row faced cherries in a wooden box for market display. After graduating from Wenatchee High, Marilyn attended Washington State College. She was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. In her junior year, she was introduced to Earl Pratt on a blind date at the Sorority and never looked back. After her graduation in 1950, and awaiting Earl to catch up, she worked in Spokane for Fosseen’s, and later, Sea First Bank in Wenatchee. She and Earl were married in 1951.

During their twelve years in Wenatchee they made many lifelong friends, rebuilt the Chelan cabin and started a family of three: Noreen, Kristin and Steve.

In 1963 the family moved to Yakima, WA where Earl was employed by Michelson Pkg. Co., and Marilyn became what was then termed a “housewife” adding one more to the brood: Michael Pratt. Her happiness was raising kids while squeezing in entertainment with Leslie Loudon Guild, Girl Scouts, PTA, riding bikes with girlfriends from Ellensburg to Cle Elem and playing tennis at Larson Park. Pound for pound, she was very competitive on the court, while endorsing such famous products such as wooden racquets, white tennis balls and K-Swiss sneakers.

After Earl’s retirement from Michelson’s in 1993, their time was spent between Palm Desert, CA, Lake Chelan and Yakima. They were married 65 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents Mayme and D. Howard Davis, father-in-law, Al Stigenwalt and nephew Jeff Davis.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Earl Pratt; her children, Noreen Wood Johnson of Atlanta, GA; Kristin Yazhari of Portland, OR; Steve Pratt of Yakima, WA; and Michael Pratt of Olympia, WA; grandchildren, Michael Yazhari, Emily Wood, Patrick Yazhari, Hillary Pratt, Rozlyn Pratt, Jacob Pratt and Sarah Pratt; great grandson, Cole Yazhari, and brother, Dr. John Davis.

The family would like to thank Fieldstone and Heartlinks Hospice for their thoughtful care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marilyn’s memory to the Yakima Greenway Foundation or charity of your choice.

Please join our family for a celebration of Marilyn’s life at Rainier Memorial Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Drive, on Saturday, November 26, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

To share a memory of Marilyn, please visit keithandkeith.com