Rita (Vernon) Pratt

Rita (Vernon) Pratt, age 82, of Westbrook Acres Nursing Home in Gladbrook, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at UPH–Allen Hospital, with care and compassion surrounding her.

Honoring Rita and her family’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, with a family gravesite service on August 14, 11:00 a.m. at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines, IA. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Marshalltown ARL.

Rita Marie Vernon was born on October 16, 1943, in LaSalle, Illinois, at St. Mary’s Hospital, to Howard and Lois (Boyd) Vernon. She grew up in the Union and Des Moines area. Rita entered the workforce after high school, serving guests at Bishop’s Buffet where she met her husband, Bob. She also worked in retail at Montgomery Ward and Kohl’s.

On October 22, 1966, she married, Robert Craig Pratt, at the Altoona Methodist Church, and together they made their home in Des Moines. Rita had a truly pure heart and lived a humble life, greeting everyone as though she had known them forever. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Alma Vernon of Iowa City; nieces and nephews: Mary (Steve) Gile, Jo (Al) Bergman, Gary (Deanna)Vaux, Howie (Tami) Vernon, Vicki (Bart) Vernon, Rick (Jill) Berry, and Pam (John) Carver, Robert Vernon, Jim (Anna) Vernon, along with many other relatives and friends.

Rita is preceded in death by her parents: Howard and Lois; her husband Robert Craig Pratt; and her siblings: Robert Vernon, Helen Vaux, Howard Vernon, Shirley Berry, Dorn Vernon; nephew Randy Vernon.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Rita and her family. Online condolences may be shared at www.mitchellfh.com or by calling 641‑844‑1234.