Marylee Pratt

Marylee Pratt, nee Viehweg, entered resurrection life on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the celebrated age of 100. She is survived by cherished children Carol (Duane) Keller; Ruth (the late Christopoher LaRock and Tommy) Sisson; Steve (Kari) Pratt. One precious daughter Mary, (Glen) Parker has preceded her mother in death. Their spirits are reunited in God's eternal love. Marylee's heart adopted children surviving are Larry (Diane) Baygents, Jim (Patti) Baygents and Ingrid (the late Dimitri) Alexiou. Added together Marylee's descendants number 54. Many beloved relatives and dear friends have held significant relationships in her century of life. She is also survived by two brothers, Harold (the late Dotty) Viehweg and Richard (Marilynn) Viehweg.

Marylee is preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth Pratt and second husband, Howard Baygents; treasured grandchildren Nathan Keller and Shannon LaRock; dear sister, Dorothy Morgan and loving parents, Willie Herman and Mildred Mae, nee Tompkins, Viehweg.

Born on July 17, 1925, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Marylee graced our lives as a dedicated registered nurse at Deaconess Hospital, embodying the essence of healing intertwined with compassion. Her unwavering knowledge, patience, and deep-seated faith touched the lives of countless individuals, offering comfort to the afflicted and solace to their families during trying times. Marylee's journey in nursing did not end with her tenure at Deaconess. Following her career, she selflessly devoted her time to volunteering at Missouri Baptist Hospital, further extending her caring spirit to those in need.

Throughout her life, Marylee epitomized generosity, welcoming all into her home—students seeking haven during holidays, missionaries sharing their fervent pursuits, and traveling doctors who often found a warm meal and encouraging conversation waiting for them. To Marylee, every face was familiar; she had an extraordinary gift of making everyone feel like family.

An incarnation of grace, Marylee was not only generous with her time but also abundant in kindness and earthly blessings. Her presence radiated comfort; a simple conversation with her could ease burdens and chase away shadows. She was a source of steadfast love and attentive listening, always ready with a word of encouragement and an open heart. Her legacy is evident in the lives she touched, as she was an excellent example of how one should live, teaching both family and strangers alike the true meaning of compassion.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Marylee kept her mind sharp and spirits high through a love for puzzles—jigsaw, word, and number challenges that delighted her throughout the years. She cherished the camaraderie found in playing bridge, where friendships blossomed over cards and laughter. Fed by her strong faith, Marylee remained active within her church community, particularly thriving in her role in women's fellowship, where she participated in many charitable efforts and community projects, championing various causes with unwavering dedication.

For many years, she enriched the lives of young girls as a co-leader in Girl Scouts, instilling values that would foster growth, resilience, and joy within their hearts.

Marylee Pratt’s life was a tapestry woven from threads of empathy, service, and love; her memory will forever linger in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we bid farewell to the remarkable centenarian, we celebrate the legacy she leaves behind, urging us all to carry forward the grace and kindness she exemplified so effortlessly. In our collective remembrance, let us honor her spirit by living our lives as she did—with open hearts, tender generosity, and unwavering faith. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Circle of Concern, Salvation Army, or Dayspring Baptist Church in Marylee’s honor.

A visitation for Marylee's family and friends to gather and share memories will be held on Wednesday October 29, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Parlors 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129. The following morning, October 30, a visitation will be held at Dayspring Baptist Church 1001 Municipal Center Drive St. Louis, MO 63131, from 10:00 a.m. until her funeral service, beginning at 10:50 a.m. Interment in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery alongside her first husband, Kenneth Pratt.