Ricky Pratt

Ricky Allen Pratt, age 56 years of South Bend, Indiana and former long-time resident of Niles, Michigan died at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2014 at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on March 29, 1958 in San Jose, California to Allen L. and Alice M. (Hargreaves) Pratt. He attended school in Lemoore, California, Woodbridge, Virginia, and South Bend Clay High School before settling in Niles in 1977. He was an over-the-road truck driver, and had been employed at Celadon Trucking, Werner Enterprises, and the Ryder System.

Rick enjoyed woodworking in his home shop, and was a talented cabinetmaker. Many members of his family are proud to have furniture made by Rick.

He was preceded in death by his father, Allen who died on December 26, 2011.

Surviving family includes two daughters, Heather (& Johnathan) Carter and Michelle (& Jason) Law, both of Scottsville, Kentucky; grandchildren Johnathan Carter II, T.J. Carter, Brittney Law, Abby Law, and Payton Law; Rick’s mother, Alice Pratt of Niles; his sister, Sheila Mazingo of Cassopolis, Michigan and brother, Michael Leroy Pratt of Niles; aunts Elaine (& Lawson) Whitfield, Betty (& Larry) Vance; Joan Walton, Helen (& Ron) “Cookie” Bucha, and Charlene Chew; an uncle, Abraham “Skeeter” Hargreaves; many nieces and nephews; and a companion, Merri Miller of South Bend.

The funeral service for Rick Pratt will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Jeffrey L. Whittaker of the Michiana Christian Embassy officiating. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at Noon on Thursday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Rick may be made to The Center for Hospice Care.