Clay Prall

Tribute

Harry Clay Prall, 86, of Sterling, Colorado, passed away on June 23, 2026, from complications related to Alzheimer's disease. Clay was born in Bremen, Kansas on April 8, 1940 to Forrest and Elsie (Lueers) Prall. He was the middle child of five boys. Raised in Hanover, Kansas, Clay was active in football, basketball, and track. After graduating in 1958, Clay attended Emporia State University, where he met the love of his life, Ruth. They were married one month shy of 65 years. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, education, and service. Clay spent most of his career teaching mathematics and computer science at Northeastern Junior College, where he influenced generations of students with his knowledge, patience and encouragement. A man of deep faith, Clay was a devoted member of Christ United Methodist Church. He dedicated countless hours to the church, to Cooperating Ministries, to Prison Ministries and to the Angel Tree Project providing gifts to prisoner’s kids. He also was involved in youth ministry, leading Buckhorn Methodist camps, canoe trips, and backpacking adventures throughout the Rocky Mountains. Clay had a special gift for combining education, adventure and faith. Along with Norm Berry, David Coles and Shelby Nichols, he led student geology trips to the West's most iconic landscapes including the Grand Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches, Bryce and Canyonlands National Parks. Clay and Ruth were blessed with two children, Trent and Sari. Family travels took them to all 50 states. In retirement, Clay and Ruth explored Russia, Denmark, Sweden, and Italy. Clay cherished time with family and friends, especially at the family cabin in the Colorado mountains and with his beloved pinochle group that met regularly for more than 50 years. He is preceded in death by his brother Larry, his brother Bob and wife Arlene. He is survived by his wife Ruth; children Trent (Michelle) Prall of Grand Junction, Colorado and Sari (Ty) Cito of Frederick, Colorado; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Alice Prall of Stanwood, WA; brother Bruce (Mary) Prall of Fond du lac, WI; brother Jack (Margie) Prall of Shawnee, KS and many friends, former students, and church members whose lives were touched by his kindness, faith, and wisdom. Always an encouraging educator, Clay has donated his body to science. Memorial contributions may be made in Clay’s memory to: Christ United Methodist Church of Sterling or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Memorial services will be held at a later date. "Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

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