Vlasta “Viola” Pritchett of McCook passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at Community Hospital. She was 83 years old.

Viola was born on June 28, 1928 in Stratton, NE to Samuel Clayton and Eva Mae (Parrott) Cobb. She attended McCook Public Schools.

Viola was united in marriage to Herman Howard “Smokey” Pritchett on September 3, 1943 at Oberlin, KS. She moved to Alabama in 1967 and lived there until 1985 at which time she moved to Illinois for 13 years. She returned to the McCook community in 1997. On March 20, 1999, she was reunited in marriage to Smokey. They made their home in McCook where Viola was a homemaker.

She enjoyed reading and doing word searches. Viola was an animal lover and enjoyed her pets over the years.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Samuel and Eva Cobb; husband, Herman Pritchett on April 3, 2008; and two sisters, Lou Balius and Virginia Brant.

Survivors include her daughter, Lorena May and husband, Daniel Mehringer, of Holton, KS; three grandsons, Chris Mehringer of McCook, Stephen Mehringer of Kirksville, MO and Mark Mehringer of Kansas City, MO; one great-granddaughter, Eliana Rae Mehringer and one great-grandson, Levi Jacob Mehringer; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in her name to the American Cancer Society.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 5, 2012, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Monday, February 6, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with Rev. Lance Clay officiating. A private family inurnment will be held at the Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

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