Mrs. Zilpha Rebecca Parks was born in Harrison County, Ohio, July 31st, 1838. Departed this life Oct. 2, 1906, aged 68 years, 2 months and 2 days.
When four years of age she, in company with her parents, moved to Fulton county, Ill.
In the year 1861 she was united in marriage to Mr. Rezin Prather, who some few months ago departed this life.
Mrs. Prather was the mother of ten children, Nettie, Jennie and George having died in infancy.
Those that survive her are: Mariah Garton, Della Kays, Gertie McKinley, Allie Moose, Anna Davis, Upton and Will Prather. Also two step-children, Margaret Kingery and Preston Prather.
There are also three brothers and one sister to mourn her departure: Samuel, James and Thomas Parks and Mrs. Sarah Ann Clemmens.
In the year 1887 in a revival conducted at Motes Chapel by Revs. Philip Skiles and John Hayes, she was converted and united with the United Brethren church. Her Christian life was one of great faith in her Master and nowhere was she ashamed to testify to His saving and keeping power.
The last year of her life had been one of almost constant suffering. The last few days of her stay on earth she was anxious to be off and be with Jesus and said to those that were present, she wished Jesus would hurry and come and take her home and let her rest.
Mother Prather was a true mother in the home. There was no sacrifice too heavy for her to make for the comfort of her children and often during her illness expressed a desire that her children meet her in heaven.
Hence she has kept the faith, fought a good fight, gained the victory, received an honorable discharge, gone over to wear the victor's crown while eternity's ages roll on.
Funeral services were conducted at Motes Chapel last Friday by Rev. J. B. Miller of Browning, a former pastor of the deceased, assisted by Rev. D. E. Baer of Astoria, in the presence of many sympathizing friends.
Mother Prather was a good woman and will be greatly missed in her community.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus