Patricia Gwladys Pratt

Patricia's Memorial Service will be livestreamed here: https://vimeo.com/event/3807841

Patricia Gwladys Jones Pratt of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2023, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo.

Patti was born on March 15, 1933, at St. John's Hospital in Fargo to Harry and Florence (McCullough) Jones. Patti loved living in Fargo and will be remembered for the love she had for her family, life-long connection to friends, her participation in the community, and perhaps most importantly, being an amazing cook! Patti grew up in Fargo and graduated from Fargo Central High school. She then went on to graduate from North Dakota State University with a degree in Education and participated in choir and music activities throughout her time there. While at NDSU, Patti was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She was elected Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sweetheart, voted NDSU Homecoming Queen in 1952, and crowned Miss Fargo at the 1953 Fall Festival. She briefly taught in Devil's Lake before marrying the love of her life, George. She married George Lewis Pratt on November 23,1955 at First Congregational Church in Fargo and they were married for 59 years until his death. They had two children, Tom and Nancy. They enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Pelican Lake, wintering in Fort Myers Beach, FL, and traveling abroad after retirement.

Patti was an active member of numerous community organizations and maintained a wide social circle for her entire life. She maintained connection with Gamma Phi Beta as an active alumni, served as the president of the St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary, served as the vice president of the NDSU Alumni Association, and served as President of the NDSU Women's Club. Patti was a charter member of the AU chapter of PEO. She served as the chapter President and in a variety of other offices over the years. Patti was a life-long active member of the First Congregational UCC Fargo. As a member of the church, she sang in the choir for over 50 years, was President of the Women's Fellowship, chaired the compilation of the church's 125 year cookbook, and could be counted on to put together amazing meals in the church kitchen. Patti also shared her vocal talents outside church, singing in a variety of groups including the Fargo/Moorhead Civic Opera, Frank Scott Singers, and with the Eidem/Condell Big Band. Throughout her life, Patti had a love for fashion and she put this to use by operating a women's business clothing store, Career Fashions, for several years with longtime friend Joyce Kollman and worked as a special events coordinator at the Fargo Daytons. Later in life she also worked at Laurie's clothing store.

Patti cannot be remembered without talking about her love for family and her amazing cooking. She was lovingly known as "Gaamie" to her family and grandchildren. She was a devoted caregiver to her entire family, particularly for her daughter Nancy as she struggled with chronic illness and for George near the end of his life. The saddest time in her life was losing her beloved daughter Nancy in 2004. However, her four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren were the joys of her life. She was happiest when she was with her family, spending time in the kitchen, and visiting with friends. Anyone that knows Patti knows about her cooking and has a favorite dish she made, including McCullough Chicken, Chicken Stuffing Hotdish, Roast Beef Au Jus, Wild Rice, and Sugar Cookies just to name a few. She was legendary for always having a tin of fresh cookies on hand and whipping up full turkey dinners year round-including at the lake cabin on the 4th of July.

Following George's passing, Patti enjoyed several years with her special companion Bob Scheel. They enjoyed spending time together wintering in Palm Springs, summers at his lake cabin, and watching Bison games together.

Patti was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, her daughter Nancy Pratt Coash and son-in-law Michael Coash, and special friend Bob Scheel. She leaves her son, Thomas Pratt and his wife Kris Borg Pratt, along with granddaughters, Kathryn (Adam) Riesen, Brenna (Osama) Naseer, Meeghan (Eric) Anderson and Elizabeth Coash. She also leaves great grandchildren Lauren Riesen, Raylan Riesen, Isla Naseer, George Anderson and Quentin Anderson, as well as extended family including her sister Mary Helen, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be a visitation with family and friends at 12 pm at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home (215 7th Street South) on Sunday, October 22, 2023, with a service to follow at 1 pm and internment to follow.

Memorials are preferred to First Congregational UCC Fargo, the Dr. George and Patti (Jones) Pratt Scholarship Endowment at NDSU, or the charity of your choice.

Patti's family would like to give special thanks to her care team at Sanford and friends and neighbors that were of continual support in the last years of her life.