Elvera (Strecker) Prater, 95 of Lansing, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas passed away Monday, September 8, 2014 at the Twin Oaks Health Center in Lansing.

Elvera was born September 1, 1919 in southern Russell County, the daughter of George David and Elizabeth (Stettinger) Strecker.  She grew up on the family farm in Russell County and attended country schools.

Elvera was united in marriage to Charles Eudell Prater on December 7, 1941.  This union was blessed with two daughters, Lyla and Carol.  They made their home in Russell, Plainville, El Dorado, Hays and finally back to Russell.  Charles preceded her in death.

Elvera was a devoted wife and homemaker for her daughters.   She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hays and St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  She was very active in Ladies Circle in church, Order of the Eastern Star and Camping Club.  She enjoyed camping, playing cards, bowling, sewing, cooking and making crafts.

Surviving family include her daughters, Lyla Lee Schmitt (Robert) of Gorham, Kansas and Carol Sue Walford (Larry) of Kansas City, Kansas; brother, Marvin Strecker of Russell, Kansas; sister, Thelma Blasé of Sylvan Grove, Kansas; four grandchildren Virginia Rohleder (Randy) of Gorham, Kansas, Dale Schmitt (Nancy) of Russell, Kansas, Stacy Waters (Paul) of Kansas City, Kansas and Kristin Bay (Tony) ) of Russell, Kansas, two step grandchildren Craig Walford (Penny) and Kerry Lyn Waldford both of Canada and nine great grandchildren and four step great grandchildren .  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three sisters, Lenora Strecker, Esther Stockamp and Lorene Peterman.

Celebration of Elvera’s Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 12, 2014 at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.