Elsie Preston, 97

Elsie Preston, 97
Memorial Celebration of Life Services for Elsie Preston, age 97, of Lenox, who passed away Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Omaha, Nebraska, was held Friday, November 13, 2020 at 4:00 PM at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox. Visitation followed the prayer service with the family greeting friends until 7:00 PM. There will be another Memorial Celebration of Life Service and interment of ashes at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Lenox United Methodist Church. Memories may be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we ‘Celebrate Life’.
Elsie Ellen Preston was born January 10, 1923, in Sheridan, Missouri, the sixth of eleven children born to Thomas Walter Walston and Cora May (Weese) Walston. She attended Delphos Consolidated School in Ringgold County. When she was in seventh grade the family moved to Taylor County where she graduated from Bedford High School with the Class of 1941. After high school, she attended Northwest Missouri State College where she received her Teaching Certificate, and taught country school for four years. In 1943, she took a train to California to work at the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation making B-24 Aircrafts during World War II. In May of 1945 she returned to Iowa where she met her future husband Clifford Preston. The couple was united in marriage on March 10, 1948 at the Methodist Parsonage in Lenox. The couple made their home near Lenox where they maintained their farm and raised their family. Two sons were born to bless this union, Charles and Tom.
Elsie worked as a bookkeeper in Lenox at the Chevrolet Dealership, later taking a position in Creston as Bookkeeper for the Ford Dealership, a position she held for over 18 years. During this time she enjoyed raising her family, gardening, raising chickens, and going door-to-door to sell Minnesota Woolen Clothing. Elsie enjoyed annual family reunions, bowling, crocheting, cooking, playing cards and was a devoted member of the Lenox United Methodist Church. She was also a member of Bridge Clubs and The Neighborhood Club, always looking forward to their monthly get-togethers.
Elsie and Clifford enjoyed attending Army reunions for many years, traveling throughout the United States. They also enjoyed traveling to visit many family and friends. Her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great-great-grandchild were her true joy in life.
Left to cherish Elsie’s memory are her two sons, Charles Preston of Omaha, Nebraska; and Tom Preston and wife Rene of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchild; along with many other family members and friends.
Preceding Elsie in death are her parents, Thomas and Cora Walston; her loving husband Clifford Preston on July 17, 1995; and ten siblings.
We will forever hold the precious memories of Elsie in our hearts.
May she be at peace in God’s loving care.