MONONA-Phyllis Ruth (Pinkerton) Pratt, age 86, of Queens Village, New York, and formerly of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at the Heritage Monona Senior Assisted Living Campus after a short stay. She was born on June 3, 1925, in Madison, to Milo and Ruth Pinkerton. Phyllis graduated from Madison Central High School and UW-Madison School of Music with a major in music and piano. Phyllis started her career by doing research work for the UW School of Music by writing down the music tunes which were known throughout Wisconsin, and also playing piano in the traveling all-girls dance band, lead by Peggy King. Out of tune pianos were easily solved by her playing the tunes either up a note or so, or down a note or so to match the instruments’ need. She later went on to do jazz piano solo work in night clubs in Chicago and New York City. For many years Phyllis sold Discovery Toys to New York grade school teachers, and was also the secretary of a Jewish children’s welfare agency, from which she retired in 2005. Phyllis married Richard Pratt and they had several years of happy married life until he was killed in a train accident. She also taught courses for Smoke Enders. Alas, too late, she died of a massive cancer on her right lung. Phyllis is survived by her older brother, Hulbert B. Pinkerton of Monona;
older sister, Mrs. John E. Steinhaus (MilaJean) of Atlanta, Ga; and her nephew, Milo Pinkerton, who brought her back to Monona from Queens Village for her last days. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 1609 University Ave, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 12, 2012, with the Rev. Curt Anderson presiding.