Matsie Hancock Prater

Matsie Hancock Prater was born July 28, 1926, Emporia, Kansas, and passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico, peacefully on April 7, 2025. She is survived by her loving children: daughter, Mary Jane Osborn (Steve Johnson), son, Carl Prater, and, daughter, Anji Lang (Ryan Fritz); as well as her grandchildren: Heather Osborn, Pepper Lang (Kathryn Lang), Savannah Cross (Wes Cross), Hunter Lang, and Sommer Bradish (Ben Bradish); and great grandchildren: Landon and Mattie Johnson, August and Ari Lang, Hawkley, Rowen, & Tamsend Cross, Walker Lang, and Everett & Winnie Bradish. Matsie was preceded in death by her parents L. F. and Clessie Hancock, her beloved husband Otis “Red” Prater, her sister, Mary Jane Hutchins, her son-in-law, Robert Osborn, and grandson, Robby Osborn. Ever the southern belle, Matsie grew up in Newnan, Georgia, and enjoyed dancing as a child. She met the love of her life, her “Pratey” and they married in 1946. Since Otis was in the Air Force, the family moved around a lot. Matsie enjoyed being a military officer’s wife; hosting parties for the officers was something she took great pride in. She always looked perfectly put together no matter what she was doing. She also loved to read mystery novels, enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra, was a girl scout and a boy scout leader, read her Bible every morning, went to Jazzercise for years, was an avid gardener, and never lost her southern accent or charm. Matsie and the family retired in New Mexico, in 1965, where she eventually became the best MaMa a grandkid could wish for. The family would like to thank Deborah and Sylvia for their unconditional love and care for Matsie. Everyone that was loved by Matsie was lucky to have had her in their lives. She will be greatly missed. See you later alligator!

Services will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 1:00 p.m., Daniels Family Funeral Services - Sara Chapel, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.