Mary Patricia Prenger

Mrs. Mary Patricia Prenger, age 71 years, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2019, in her home. She was born on April 7, 1948, in Jefferson City, Mo., the daughter of Judge James T. and Marie (Payne) Riley. She was married on November 15, 1968, in Jefferson City, Mo. to Donald Raymond Prenger. He survives in the home. A lifelong resident of Jefferson City, Mo., Pat was a 1967 graduate of Helias High School. She then went on to attend Central Missouri State University. Pat was employed as a clerk with the Missouri Department of Social Services. Following her retirement in 2006, she filled her days and her cup by working at the Samaritan Center and volunteering at St. Peter Church. Pat was a force to be reckoned with. She was loving, compassionate and would give all she had if someone else was in need. She cared for all people and as a result of this, her house was open to anyone at any time. She lived life with an open door and an open heart. Pat was a go getter, she never turned down an opportunity to experience something new. She was active and even in recent years enjoyed kayaking, white water rafting and even rock climbing. She loved to travel and explore the world. Pat was an adventurer and always looked forward to the annual family vacation, complete with over 30 family members. A few destinations she conquered were Bennet Springs, Colorado, Ireland, Yellowstone, Vegas and of course, Disney. Pat loved gardening, sewing and reading. She will be remembered as a firecracker of a woman. Pat was fun and caring while maintaining her toughness. Above all, she cherished time with her family and friends. She holds a special place in the hearts of all who knew her but especially to those who call her, Nano. Survivors include: her husband of 51 years, Donald Prenger; her three children, Angela Jefferson (Jim), Matthew Prenger (Valiente) and Elizabeth Prenger-Boeckmann (Steve); five siblings, Mike Riley (Marla), Anne Buckley (Tom), Sarah Davis (Rick), Lisa Riley, and John Riley (Coni); one sister-in-law, Darla Riley; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews with whom she shared a unique bond. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tom Riley; sister-in-law, Mary Wilde; granddaughter, Natalie Raylin Jefferson; and her special friend, Donna Vivion. A prayer service will be conducted at Freeman Mortuary at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2019. A visitation will begin immediately following the prayer service from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2019, at St. Peter Church with the Reverend Jeremy Secrist and the Reverend I.C. Medina Concelebrating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Samaritan Center. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com