Shirley JoAnne Pratt

Shirley JoAnne Pratt, 90, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, March 4, 2025, surrounded by family at her daughter's home in Evansdale. She was born on September 9, 1934, in Mason City, daughter of LeRoy A. and Alma R. (Hendon) Gray. Alma passed when Shirley was 9 months old and was raised by LeRoy and Beulah. She graduated from East High School in 1952.

Shirley married Harry E. Pratt in 1952. They later divorced.

Over the years, she worked as a bartender at the Waterloo Bowl-In, The Raintree, the Embassy Lounge and the Greyhound Lounge. For several years, Shirley worked as a bus monitor for the Waterloo Schools. She and her daughter, Brenda, managed a childcare business in Mrs. Pratt's home until 2012. Shirley was a member of the Grace Reformed Church in Waterloo.

Shirley enjoyed attending the Waterloo Bucks Baseball games and her grandkids' events as well as being a Chicago Cubs and a WWE fan. She loved being outdoors and tending to her garden which had been featured in the tour of homes. She would watch for the first cardinal of spring and had a wide collection of cardinal figurines. Shirley enjoyed all family gatherings and cooking her favorite recipes for the holidays.

She is survived by her children: Mary (Dennis) Hilmer of Mason City, Kevin (Mary) Pratt of New Hampton, Jeff (Teresa) Pratt of Cedar Falls, Debbie (Rick) Nolan of Evansdale, and Brenda (Jorje) Jarchow of Waterloo; 20 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren; and two brothers: LeRoy (Carolyn) Gray of Fairbank and Chuck (Mary) Gray of West Union.

She is preceded in death by her brother David (Wanda) Gray; two sisters: Evelyn Woods and Marilyn (Don) Leyh; her parents LeRoy Gray and Alma Gray and mother Beulah Gray.

Funeral services will be 10:30 Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park.

Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00pm Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Locke at Tower Park

Memorials are directed to the family.