Helen Hegsted Pratt

Helen Hegsted Pratt passed away peacefully at her home in St. George, Utah, on February 24, 2016. Helen was born in Rexburg, ID on August 25, 1919, and spent her early years in Rexburg, working on the family farm, enjoying trips to Island Park and Mack’s Inn with her friends, and graduating from Madison High School, Class of 1937, where she served as a student body officer and was a member of The Pepper Club. One day while in junior high school, she dropped her books and a handsome boy by the name of Grant Pratt picked them up for her. It was love at first sight for both of them and the rest, as they say, is history. On September 5, 1937, Helen married the love of her life, Grant W. Pratt, in the family home in Rexburg. While Grant was serving with the Army in Egypt during WWII, Helen lived in Salt Lake City, saving every paycheck that Grant sent home. When Grant returned at the end of the war, they settled in Salt Lake City and bought a small brick bungalow in the far south end of the Salt Lake Valley, where they started raising their horses. From Salt Lake City, they ventured to St. George for a few years, before buying a small ranch in the shadow of the Bitterroot Mountains in Hamilton, MT. In the early 1970s, they decided that they had had enough of Montana winters and headed again to St. George where retirement awaited. After building a couple homes, they settled in a beautiful home in the Green Springs area of St. George and continued their love of horses, developing a love of the Southwest and Red Rock Country. Over the years we have heard wonderful stories of their travels in their motor home they lovingly referred to as the “Scram Van”. Helen and her sister Beth loved antiques and spent many hours searching for them. During their years in St. George, Helen and Grant formed many lasting friendships. When Grant passed away in 1985, these friendships meant even more to Helen. Her adventurous spirit bonded with many of these friends as they traveled through the USA and many other countries. She remained active her entire life and loved being with her large group of swimming and “lunch bunch” friends. Helen loved the NBA and realized her dream of attending a Utah Jazz game. She really deserved the NBA super fan award. Helen is survived by many nieces and nephews that loved her dearly and will miss her sweet and feisty personality. A memorial service for Helen will be held on Saturday, March 5th, at 10:00 am, at The Meadows Clubhouse, 950 South 400 East, St. George, UT. The family would like to express appreciation for the wonderful care given by The Meadows, Zion’s Way Hospice and Sue Gibson. Helen loved southern Utah; please consider donating to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance http://suwa.org/, in her name, or your preferred charity.

Helen Hegsted Pratt

August 25, 1919 - February 24, 2016