Keren Barnes Ivy Pratz passed away November 13, 2022 in McKinney, Texas at the age of 90. She was born to Bernard O. and Gertie M. (Woods) Barnes on December 13, 1931 in Beaver, Oklahoma.
Keren grew up in small towns throughout New Mexico. After graduation at 16, she immediately went to college. She met her husband Lee at the University of New Mexico Albuquerque, and they married in 1950. She stayed with her husband as a Navy wife and they had their children, all in different places with the Navy. Their family grew with the birth of their son Marvin Ivy III, then Jolyn and Elaine, their daughters, and then their son, Doyle. While her children were young, Keren rejoined school and got her bachelors degree from Arlington State College, now UT Arlington. In 1971, her husband Lee passed away. In 1972, Keren met her late husband Richard, and they were married in 1973. In 1979, she got her masters degree while she worked at Fort Hood. Keren lost her husband Richard and retired shortly after. She didn’t believe in retirement and volunteered for the Southern Baptist Church. Keren volunteered with them up until about 9 years ago when she finally let herself enjoy her retirement. She put her all into her kids. She loved them deeply and took pride in her volunteer work. Keren was known and loved for her sourdough bread, and her family and friends will miss her baking treats.
Keren is survived by her son, Marvin Lee Ivy, III and wife, Cindy of The Villages, Florida; daughter, Jolyn Meadows and husband, Bob of Lone Star, Texas; daughter, Elaine Denson and husband, Rick of McKinney, Texas; eight grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren; sister, Alleah Sue Haley of Asheboro, North Carolina; and nieces, Keren, Susan, and Heather.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin Lee Ivy, Jr.; husband, Richard Pratz; son, Doyle Ray Ivy; granddaughter, Amy Meadows; and great grandson, Ray Meadows.
A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Hawkins Cemetery in Arlington, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas.
Please consider making a donation in Keren’s name to:
Berean Childrens Home
1180 Berea Trail SE
Bogue Chitto, Mississippi 39629