PRESTON, Ruth Gail - d. November 23, 2020

[patyrn]

Ruth Gail Preston, 81, passed away November 23, 2020 at Newton Presbyterian Manor in Newton, Kansas.  She was born in rural Elk County, Kansas, one of nine children of Otis L. and Hazel (Greenwood) Preston.

Ruth grew up on a farm outside of Howard, Kansas and graduated from Howard High School in 1957.  She worked at At&T (Southwestern Bell) as a Manager until she retired on December 31, 1991 with 31+ years of service.  She worked for Southwestern Bell in Howard, Newton, Hutchinson, and finally Wichita, Kansas before retiring.  She then worked for a number of years part-time at Anesthesia Billing, Inc. in Halstead, Kansas when she decided she was ready to enjoy her retirement.

Ruth was a longtime member of Salem United Methodist :Church in Newton, Kasns where she was very active on various committees.  She loved her church, and her church family and friends were very important to her.  Ruth's passion was reading.  She loved to read and had an extensive book collection.,  She enjoyed cooking and watching animals and nature outside her window.  Ruth loved to travel with family and friends and had some wonderful adventures near and far including to Jerusalem, Germany, Switzerland, and Rome.

Ruth's caring nature made her a friend to so many.  While she had no biological children of her own, she was  second mother to many of her younger siblings as well as her niece, Gail, and her great-nephews, Gage and Jase.  She became "Aunt Ruth" to many people who loved her dearly.  Ruth had a strong work ethic and lived her life with faith and integrity.  She enjoyed listening to classical music and church hymns.

Ruth is survived by her best friend and sister, Lorna Preston; her niece, Gail (Jason) Marsh; her brothers, Fred (Dorothy) Preston and Dennis Preston; her sisters, Dorothy Walta and Sue (Marty) Wacker; and eight nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Orvan Preston and Dean Preston; her sisters, Joyce Lord and Norma Salisbury; her nieces, Alison Sweet and Chelise Mitchell; and her nephew, Tom Walta.

Due to COVID restrictions, a private family committal service will be held in Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, Kansas with Rev. Ron Kite officiating.  Memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, Good Shepherd Hospice, or by donating a book to your favorite library in Ruth's name. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson Family Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Newton, KS 67114.

(taken from the Peterson Family Funeral Home website)