Pauline Fay Pratt

Pauline Fay (Sterling) Pratt died July 4, 2010, Independence Day, of Alzheimer's. She was born July 18, 1920 to Benjamin Paul and Fay Alice (Yates) Sterling in Hartshorne, Oklahoma. She was the oldest of 6 children, 1 brother and 4 sisters. After graduating from Hartshorne High School in 1938, she moved to Oklahoma City to attend Black's Business College. Working at the state capitol she met and later married Jack Monty Pratt on December 21, 1940 – the "longest night of every year" they would say with a twinkle in their eyes. They were blessed in 1943 with a son, Jackie – the day before Jack left for service with the Seabees in the Navy. In 1948 her family was complete with daughter, Jennie. Pauline and Jack established their sign company, Jack Pratt Screen-Ad Co., in 1950. They worked tirelessly side by side until Jack's death in 1981. Assuming every task imaginable, she ran the business with a strong hand, while lovingly tending to their home and family. She was a take-charge person who was always ready to answer any question and tackle any problem. Pauline was the go-to person who opened her home and heart to anyone in need. After 41 years of marriage, Jack's death was the hardest obstacle she ever faced. She never stopped grieving. However, as the family pulled together, she started a new tradition of Christmas in Lake Tahoe, and still continued their established tradition of Sunday dinners at her home. What great food and company. Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jack, her brother, Jimmy Sterling, and sister, Dorothea Goad. She is survived by three sisters, Ruth Crow, Pat Royal & husband Leon, and Billie Reed. Son, Jack & wife Nikki; daughter, Jennie Penner & husband Ric; grandchildren, Sara Gae (Pratt) Waters & husband Greg, Monte Pratt & wife Ashlyn, Pete Penner & wife Sarah, and Jay Penner also survive her. She also leaves behind 8 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jack, Kate, and Cooper Waters, Jack, Barrett & Emme Pratt, and Kelsey Penner, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful for Pauline's loving care at Epworth Villa for her last 11 years.