Michael H. Prater

Michael Harry Prater, 83, of Ripon, California passed away on 6 November 2022.

Mike was born on 22 December 1938 to Alberta and Donald Prater in French Camp, California. After graduating from Ripon High School in 1957, he married his first wife, Patricia, and had four children.

He worked for many years at Fibreboard Paper Mill, Modesto Bee, and as a ditch tender for the South San Joaquin Irrigation District.

In 1973, he fell in love with Betty, and they wed in 1978, blending their families.

After retiring in 2005, Mike spent his time camping, bowling, gardening, solving puzzles and playing board games, and spending time with his extended family.  

Mike was predeceased by his son, Michael; mother, Alberta; father, Donald; brother, Larry; brother, Danny; grandson, Jacob; grandson, Bryson; and his dearest pet, Buster Brown. He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Merilee; daughter, Melinda; daughter, Patrice; stepdaughter, Teresa; stepson, Jack; fourteen grandchildren, and twenty-one great grandchildren.

Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Prater family.  A memorial service is scheduled for Friday. November 11, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel; 111 S Palm Ave in Ripon.