Wilma Marie (Hall) Prather, 92, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 22, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Edgewood Christian Church, with visitation one hour prior to start of service. Mariah Logan will be officiating. Interment will take place in the Edgewood Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Wilma was born in Hammond, Indiana, on October 6, 1933, the daughter of Henry and Florence Hall. Wilma later lived in Terre Haute, Indiana, before moving to Flora, Illinois. While still in High School, Wilma developed a strong work ethic that remained with her throughout her life. She worked at the dime store and at the Children’s Home while living in Terre Haute and, later, at the theater, the high school and an insurance company in Flora during her high school years. Following graduation, she continued working at the insurance company in Flora until she began working at the Western Union Telegraph office in Salem, Illinois, where she worked for about 15 years while still living in Flora. Later, while living in Edgewood, she continued working in the insurance industry, and for the State of Illinois, and, after that, she worked for over a year at a nursing home, and then, at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois. She moved to Heartville and continued with St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital where she dedicated more than 38 years to the hospital, the patients and their families and friends before retiring near the end of her 83rd year, a testament to her remarkable work ethic and determination. She was a past member of the Rebekah’s Lodge and Royal Neighbors of America.

Throughout her life, Wilma attended churches in Terre Haute, Indiana; Flora, Illinois; and Edgewood, Illinois. Wilma loved her family—both immediate and extended—as well as her many friends and her beloved Siamese cat, Sampson, who remained her faithful companion until she became a resident of Lake Land Rehabilitation & Health Care Center. She was happiest when caring for others and was always ready to prepare a meal for anyone who came to visit. She enjoyed reading, especially medical literature, and was often the one nursing family members through illnesses and injuries. She also liked shopping for everything, with clothes being one of her favorites. She had an interest in and had a keen sense of style. Her unique personality included being fun and light. Many laughs were shared. Wilma was also there to help see you through the dark times. Her own life had taught her from early on to rebound and keep going. Her greatest legacy was the love she poured into her family. She leaves behind generations who will remember her strength, unwavering work ethic, caring heart, quick wit, hospitality, shared laughs, and the meals, hugs, and encouragement she so freely shared. Her kindness, resilience, and devotion to those she loved will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Wilma is survived by her son, Ray Prather; daughter; Sherry Hensley; sisters; Aida (Louis) Yaccarino and Susie Coleman; brother, Sam (Paula) Hall; grandchildren, Michelle (Mike) Walker, Nikki Hensley, Charles Jason Sparlin, Justin Sparlin, Tara (Jim) Ness, and Kyle Prather; and her great-grandchildren, Kellina (Nate) Painter, Solena Robsley, Niko Robsley, Charlise Sparlin, Charles (Charlie) Jason Sparlin Jr., Chace Ness, Logan Ness, Austin Ness, Easton Ness, Ella Prather, and Harper Prather, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Florence Hall; her husband; Harlen Richard Prather; her son, Charles Otto Sparlin Jr.; brothers, William (Bill) Hall, Joe Hall, Junior (J.R.) Hall, and Everett Hall; sisters, Ada Hall and Virginia (Bob) Ray.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and residents of Lake Land Rehabilitation & Health Care Center for the love, compassion, friendship, and care that was given to Wilma during her time there.