Family and friends of Betty, after almost two years we have finally been granted permission to fulfill her wishes. Please join us in person or thoughts as we place her to rest with her family at Oslo Cemetery, 305 Old Dixie HWY SW, Vero Beach, FL, Saturday, March 23rd at 300 pm.

Special thanks to I.R. Historical Society and the I.R. County Commissioners for securing this Historical Cemetery of early settlers of Indian River County and their descendants.

Betty Fultz McRae Pratt, 85, lifelong resident of Vero Beach, died July 29th 2017 in the presence of her family. She was the wife of Dr. Kenneth Pratt, MD of 20 years.

She was born in Brunswick, Georgia May 24th 1932. Her parents were Thomas Oscar Fultz, Sr., and Ola Brinson Fultz of Vero Beach. The Fultz family were early settlers of St Lucie and Indian River Counties. Graduate of Vero Beach High School, class of 1950. She received nursing training at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando, Florida. She met and married L. C. McRae, Jr., playing a vital part toward him becoming a graduate of the first medical school class of the University of Florida in 1960. During this time, they became parents of four boys, she worked as an OR scrub nurse, pediatric nurse and as an active member of a spousal support group for physicians. At the completion of his residency they established a clinic in his hometown of Glenwood, Georgia. As a devoted wife and mother, she worked in the clinic, nurtured her boys and was finally blessed with a baby girl.

The family moved in 1965 to Tuskegee, Alabama to assume a retiring physician's practice. She was supportive of civil rights during a time of racial division.

In 1969, she returned with her children to Vero Beach, Florida. She served her community as a volunteer with the Indian River Volunteer Ambulance Squad, taking per diem nursing assignments and as an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church. She provided for her family through her talent as a bookkeeper for an insurance office and as a part-time florist with Artistic Florist. She later became a licensed real estate agent and broker.

In 1996, her interest in ball-room dancing led her to meet Dr. Pratt whom she married in 1997. The two spent time together traveling the US and the world. They loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time in the Adirondack Mountains hiking and canoeing.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Kenneth Pratt, MD. of Vero Beach, Florida. His son, David Pratt (Susan). Her sons; Curtiss McRae, Mark McRae (Barbara), David McRae, Doug McRae (Laura). Her daughter; Bette Jape McRae Peacock (Bill). Fourteen grandchildren. Twenty-three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Oscar Fultz, Jr., sisters Phyllis Fultz Roach, and Peggy Fultz Brinson.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Pelican landing and VNA/Hospice for their attentive care, and are grateful to Dr. Michaela Scott for her years of care. They would also like to thank Dona C. Horton for always being there for mom when she needed anything.

A memorial service is planned for 10 am on Saturday, August 5th 2017 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1708 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Asbury United Methodist Church, or to Florida United Methodist Children's Home, 51 Children's Way, Enterprise, Florida 32725 in memory of Betty Fultz McRae Pratt.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home. Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Betty's memorial page at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.