Connie Jean (Smith) Prather, age 78, of Iberia, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Lake Regional Health System in Osage Beach.  She was born in Iberia on May 7, 1946, daughter of the late Conard "Cap" and Tressie (Gale) Smith.  On July 14, 2001, Connie married the love of her life, John William "Bill" Prather, who preceded her in death on March 23, 2019.  Connie and Bill enjoyed going on trips, dancing, porch sitting, and visiting with friends.

As a young child she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized…she loved Jesus.

Connie was always a very hard worker and enjoyed her time working at the Iberia R-V School cafeteria while her kids were in school.  She later started her own local business in Iberia, D-Best Trophies, which she operated for 25 years.

She was an active member of her community and was a proud member and Queen Mother of the Red Hats.   Connie was a board member of the Miller County Historical Society, a life-member of the American Legion Post 105, the Masonic Lodge #410 BBQ cashier, member of the Rocktown CB Club, served as secretary for the Crocker VFW Auxiliary, and volunteered at the VA Hospital, helping countless veterans.

Connie loved the simple things in life, including sitting outside watching the sunrise and setting with a glass of tea or coffee.  Listening to the birds, knowing every call they made and feeding them was her top priority.

She loved yard sales, junking, and getting the best price she could for whatever she was buying.  She also enjoyed selling things, telling them about what she was selling, and hearing their stories.  She continued this even in the hospital.

Branson was her favorite vacation spot. She loved the shows, thrift stores, Lake Taneycomo, and watching the ducks at Branson Landing.

She was quite the card player in the game of rummy and always seemed to have the Aces.  She enjoyed cooking and sharing her recipes on her YouTube channel, DIY Cooking with Connie.

Connie will be greatly missed by many friends and family.

She is survived by her daughter, Claudia (Paul) Herd; son, Leonard "Linn" Wilson; stepdaughters, Donna (Mike) Underwood and Carrie (Larry) Fritchey; grandchildren, Shelbe (Lucas) Simone, Blake Herd, Lilith Wilson, Damien (Jessica) Plemmons, Madison (Chelsea) Plemmons, Victoria (Devin) Hagerman, Mallory (Dylan) Baker, and Drew Underwood; and numerous family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Conard and Tressie Smith, and her husband, Bill Prather.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. with services immediately following at 11 a.m., on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia with Rick Smith and Ernie Miller officiating.  Interment will be held in Iberia Cemetery with Jim Humphrey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Miller County Historical Society.