Virginia Pratt

Virginia S. Pratt of Indianapolis, IN, at the tender age of 92, passed peacefully into the Lord's hands on the afternoon of February 9, 2011. Mom was born in St. Louis, Mo, August 28, 1918 to the late Hartwell and Gertrude Slayden. She lived in several cities around the midwest growing up with her younger sister, Jane Delanoy who survives her today. Virginia eventually made her way to Indianapolis where she met her future husband Ryland D. Pratt Jr. and they married December 1, 1939 at St Joan of Arc Church. Ryland preceded her in death February, 1998. Returning to Indianapolis after WWII she began her life as homemaker and mother to her 6 children, Ryland (Doc), Joe, James, Judy, David and Mary. She is survived and deeply loved by all along with her 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. During her 60+ years in the Indianapolis area she was very active in the Catholic Church. As members of Christ the King and St. Pius X parishes she belonged to the Women's Club, performed volunteer work with Fatima Retreat House, held discussion clubs with other parish families, volunteer work for St. Vincent Hospital and strongly supported the athletic programs of the schools. In her later years, as she lived in various parts of the country, Mom became quite interested in the game of golf as a participant and also a spectator, attending several PGA senior events, the Masters and traveling to Spain for the Ryder Cup. She celebrated her 80th birthday playing a Florida scramble with her kids and grand kids and always hit it down the middle. Above all Mom's true passion and love was raising her children and caring for the family, keeping a happy and healthy home, providing a solid religious and educational foundation and total involvement in the activities of her children. She was firm but fair, a teacher and protector with her arms always open for those moments we needed her most. Mom's love never waned and I can sense her arms around us today as she continues to watch over us. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 14, 2011 at 1 pm in Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center – Broad Ripple, 1305 East Broad Ripple Avenue. Visitation will be 2 hours prior to the service, also in the funeral home. Burial will take place in Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan