Rachel Elizabeth Pratt Flake

September 10, 1938 - April 16, 2017

Rachel Elizabeth Pratt Flake Rachel Elizabeth Pratt Flake was born September 10, 1938 in St. Louis, MO to Jewell Elizabeth Leslie and Burt Williams Pratt. She graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1956 and received a Nursing degree from Washington University in St. Louis, in 1960. She married fellow student Robert H. Flake that year and settled in Clearwater, Florida. They moved to Austin in 1966 with their two young daughters, Beth and Leslie. The family joined University Baptist Church where Rachel, with her lovely alto voice, sang in the choir for twenty-five years. Music always occupied a special place in her life. At UBC she made many lifelong friends. She was an ordained deacon both at UBC and at Highland Park Baptist, where she was active for a number of years before returning to UBC, her church home. When her daughters started middle school, Rachel began working as an Occupational Health Nurse for State Farm Insurance South Texas Region for 15 years; she formerly worked in the same capacity for IBM. Rachel had a lifelong involvement in swimming and water safety, serving as a Water Safety Instructor for the American Red Cross from the age of 18. She served on the Board of Directors of Lone Star Girl Scout Council and chaired the Camp Committee responsible for Camp Texlake. She served as camp nurse for many summers and led Girl Scout troops at every level. She was on the Board of the Austin Area Conference of Churches, serving several terms as Secretary. She was active in the local constituency of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, holding various offices. She taught CPR and First Aid; and served on committees related to CPR for twenty-five years. Rachel delivered Meals on Wheels; and was a founding member of Friendship International. She also served a term as President and many years as a member of the Board of Drive A Senior – West Austin. Rachel was predeceased by her Father in 1945, Mother, 2005, and her brother Richard. She is survived by her daughter, Beth Flake (David Michalek) of Hood River, OR; daughter Leslie Currens (Mike) of Austin; two granddaughters: Nicole and Kelsey Currens of Austin; sister Rebecca Fox of St. Louis, MO; niece Victoria Fox Conley (Pat) and their children John, Katie and Joe; nephew Burt Fox (Karissa) and their children Brooke and Briana; nephew Matthew Fox (Meredith) and their children Nathan and Daniel; niece Susan Pratt Gilbert (Tom), and their children Bryan, Michael, Kayla and Megan; nephew David Pratt and his children Amanda and Emily; nephew Rob Pratt (Michelle). Rachel loved unconditionally. She was happiest surrounded by family and friends. She has battled significant health challenges for more than 20 years, but she remained positive and did not allow her disabilities to keep her from traveling to visit friends and family and volunteering in the community. Rachel was a life long Democrat and supported many causes for social and environmental justice. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels, Annie’s List, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Friends of the Columbia Gorge or UBC. A memorial service to honor Rachel’s life will be held at University Baptist Church (2130 Guadalupe St.) at 11 AM on April 24th with reception following. Parking is limited. See church website for suggestions. Rachel hoped her friends would wear colorful spring clothing to join in a celebration of life.