Nellie Lorana Prothero

January 16, 1924 - December 12, 2020

Nellie Lorana Prothero was born January 16, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa the daughter of Hugh Franklin Pontious and Nellie Elizabeth (Roff) Pontious. She was raised in Des Moines and graduated from Lincoln High School. Following graduation she attended Iowa State Teacher’s College, and after earning her degree, Nellie taught kindergarten in Redfield, Iowa. On January 18, 1945 Nellie was united in marriage to Warren W. Prothero and the couple made their home in Des Moines. Through the years, Nellie worked at the Polk County Auditor’s, Iowa State Bank and Meredith Corporation in addition to being a homemaker. Following the death of her husband in 2008, she moved to Pleasantville to be with her daughter and son-in-law. Nellie and Warren lived in the same home in Des Moines all their married lives. They always advocated for their neighbors, whether it was buying groceries, giving kids clothes or Shrine Circus tickets, or helping folks register to vote. They believed in helping those less fortunate and always gave turkeys to the homeless shelter every year during the holidays. Nellie was also involved in Democrat politics for over 60 years; and served as District 2 Committee Chairwoman for 26 years. Nellie’s greatest joy in life was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Warren loved spending time with them and occasionally spoiling them a little. Nellie passed away Saturday, December 12, 2020 at her daughter’s home, in Pleasantville, Iowa, at the age of 96 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Warren in 2008; infant son, Warren; 9 siblings and 3 extra siblings her parents raised. Those left to cherish Nellie’s memory include her son, Jim (Maggie) of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; daughter, Eyvonne (Dennis) Thomas of Pleasantville; 5 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren and many other family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Food Bank of Iowa.