Shirley J. Prater 1943-2025

She was born Sept. 7, 1943. She was adopted and raised by the late Ardell “Duge” Rhodes and Lillie Willison Rhodes.

She graduated in 1961 from Fairfield Crestview High School and furthered her education at Youngstown State University.

She owned and operated the East Palestine H&R Block office for 52 years. She also owned and operated SJP Accounting while being a co-owner of Prater’s Auction Service.

She was one of the first women members of the East Palestine Rotary Club and served as a board member of Threshold Residential Services. She was a member of Abundant Life Fellowship.

Shirley delighted in fun and maintained a love of adventure. She enjoyed vacationing with family and friends. She was blessed to travel to many beautiful destinations throughout her life.

Shirley’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by her loving family. She is survived by her daughter, Shelly Prater; her daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Lance Whitmore; her granddaughter, Alaina Whitmore; her grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Derek and Rileigh Whitmore; and her sisters, Kathy Smith and Sondra Ruscoe. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life and a time of fellowship will be held at a future date at Abundant Life Fellowship in New Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, make a donation in Shirley’s honor to Abundant Life Fellowship, 46469 state Route 46, New Waterford, OH, 44445.

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