Obituary

Joan Broughton Pratt

1926–July 8, 2021

Joan Broughton Pratt passed away peacefully July 8 at the age of 94. Born in Dayton, Wash., in 1926, to Charles J. Broughton and Iras Troy Broughton, Joan spent her formative years growing up on her family's wheat ranch surrounded by colorful aunts, uncles and cousins, with whom she remained close to throughout her life.

While attending Smith College (where she would later graduate with a degree in Art History), she met husband, Charles Anderson Pratt, an Amherst graduate, who preceded her in death. Their marriage lasted 57 years and produced three children, her survivors, Marion Pratt, Andrew Pratt, and Charles Pratt, Jr.

Joan's epic love affair with husband Chuck included an exciting life of moving around the country as Chuck changed jobs and careers frequently. In 1968, they finally put down roots in Encino, Calif., when Chuck became a film producer. An active member of Bel-Air Country Club and an avid golfer, Joan served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, as well as volunteering with charity organizations Lamplighters, Junior League, and attending Bel-Air Presbyterian Church. She contributed often to the Children's Burn Foundation, as well as other prominent charities.

Joan spent many months on movie locations with Chuck, taking the couple far-and-wide, and allowing her to explore distant places and befriend her film set families. She enjoyed these adventures a great deal, and her stories of them were much appreciated by family and friends.

Upon Chuck's retirement from the film industry, the two travelled extensively. England, Scotland, France, Italy, Russia, Hong Kong, and everywhere in-between. Somehow, still, the couple remained active in their four grandchildren's lives, as well as those of their three great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss their Grammy Joan, but always relish her memory.

Though marrying and moving away at a young age, Joan would retain her love for hometown Dayton, Wash., remaining an active partner in the Broughton Land Company her entire life. Joan's visits home for family gatherings, reunions and the Land Company's annual meeting were truly the highlights of her life. Consequently, Grammy Joan passed down her passion for the land to her children and grandchildren, creating a legacy of respect for farming and farmers that will live forever.

Services and internment will be in Dayton, Wash., on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. In the meantime, the family wishes to thank you for your thoughts and prayers.