Eva A. (Loback) Prater

Eva A. (Loback) Prater, age 68 years, a resident of Anna and a former resident of Buncombe, Ill., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at 1:26 a.m. at Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Eva was born Oct. 15, 1957 in San Diego, Calif. She was the daughter of Charles W. and Mary Lee (Girtman) Loback.

On Dec. 30, 1973, Eva was united in marriage to Dennis J. Prater at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church near Buncombe. He survives.

In addition to her husband, Eva is also survived by: her children – Jason (Nicole) Prater of Anna, Ill. and Jenny Prater of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; 5 granddaughters; 1 grandson; a sister – Kimberly (Michael) Jones of Winston- Salem, N.C.; and 2 nephews. Brother-in-law Dewaine (Joyce) Prater of Anna, six nephews - Brian Bruno, Bruce Bruno, David (Kim) Prater and family, Jim Prater and family, Daniel (Patricia) Prater and Billy Wayne (Jeanna) Stearns and family.

Eva was preceded in death by: her parents – Charles W. Loback and Mary Lee Loback Farmer, sister-in-law - Linda (Bill) Stearns.

Eva was a 1975 graduate of Vienna High School. In her youth, Eva was employed by the Good Luck Glove Factory as well as a grocery store both located in Vienna. 

Later, she worked as a re-stocker in the health & beauty department, as well as a greeter, at the Anna Wal-Mart. For eight years, Eva was employed as a teacher’s aide at the Lincoln Elementary School in Anna.

In her spare time, Eva enjoyed sewing and crochet. She also enjoyed reading and visiting with family and friends on Facebook.

She was a member of Anna Heights Baptist Church, where she had formerly taught in the Sunday School department.

A service honoring the life of Eva Prater was conducted Monday afternoon, Dec. 8 at Anna Heights Baptist Church, 100 Turner Avenue. Anna, Ill, Pastor Darryl Williams officiated.

Interment will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, east of Buncombe.

Memorials may be made to the Anna Heights Baptist Church (Youth Fund), 100 Turner Avenue, Anna, Illinois 62906.