Marilyn Joy Pratt, age 87, passed away early morning of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, after a long-fought battle to stay here with her family!
Marilyn was born in Alpena, Michigan on March 20, 1938, to Jean (Smart) and Melvin Smith. She was one of five children and found herself right in the middle. Her sisters Barb and Jeannie were older, and Judy and her only brother Melvin were younger. Born in Alpena, her family later moved to Holt, Michigan.
Graduating from Holt High School in 1956. One of her first jobs growing up she was a carhop on roller skates at a local restaurant. She always gave us the impression she wasn’t too great on the skates, and we would laugh about it.
On July 30, 1960, she married the love of her life, Francis R. Pratt (Frank), in Lansing Michigan. Together they shared four beautiful children, Michael (Mike), Francis (Pat), Susan (Sue), and Cherie. As a family they would travel up north to the lake on the weekends and spend it with family and friends.
The kids all have many memories of these lake trips with their parents which really transpired to be a great thing because in September of 1982 Marilyn lost her husband, their father, Frank suddenly. Leaving her to raise four children on her own ranging from the ages of 15-22. They were married for 22 years. She never remarried but instead invested her time in being a Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.
Marilyn became a Grandmother in 1986 and then again in 1993 and 1995! Being a Grandmother was special for her and it kept her going in life and really defined her as a person.
She loved spending time with her kids and grandkids! Marilyn loved spending time outside working to improve her yard in one way or another. She was even mowing her own yard well into her 70’s, that is one of the ways you knew she was stubborn, she was always going to do it herself if it needed to be done.
Marilyn always was willing and loved playing cards and board games with her kids and grandkids. Ranging from UNO, to Spoons, to Monopoly or Clue to Gin Rummy. She loved them all and loved spending time with her family!
Marilyn always lived locally in Lansing, so every holiday the family was at her house celebrating! Marilyn would always prepare the holidays meals and desserts. There was always more than plenty of food to go around. She made the best chocolate chip cookies and the best homemade vegetable soup. Recipes only a Grandma could make like that.
We are sad to see you go but we are happy you are reunited with so many you lost along the way including your husband after 43 years apart.
Marilyn spent the last several months fighting many different infections and fought until the very end and proved how stubborn she truly was in hospice.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband, Francis R. Pratt, by her parents, Jean and Melvin Smith by her sisters, Barbara Riggs, Jeannie Placer, Judy Fields and her brother Melvin Smith.
Marilyn is survived by her children, Michael Pratt, Francis Pratt, Susan Kring (Steve Kring), and Cherie Pratt (Dennis DeAngelo) and grandchildren, Heather Foster (Pratt), Alek Kring, and Haley L. Gubry (Chris Gubry) and great-grandchildren, Aiden Jodway, Averi Jodway, Grant Foster, Houghton Foster, Blake Britton, and Luka Gubry and many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Marilyn requested to be cremated with no service. She will always be remembered as the “Best Grandma Ever!”
In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association in honor of Marilyn at Memorial Gift | American Diabetes Association. She was diabetic for most of her 50’s and up. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com. Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.
