Ruth Gail Preston 81 died November 23, 2020 at Newton Presbyterian Manor. She was born in Rural Elk County and grew up on a farm outside of Howard, Kansas as one of 9 children to Otis L and Hazel (Greenwood) Preston. She graduated from Howard High School in 1957 and worked at AT&T (Southwestern Bell) as a Manager until she retired December 31, 1991 with 31+ years of service. She worked for Southwestern Bell in Howard, KS, Newton, Kansas, Hutchinson, KS and finally Wichita, KS 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 long time member of Salem United Methodist Church in Newton, Kansas where she was very active on various committees. Ruth loved her church and her church family and friends were very important to her. Ruth’s passion was reading. She loved to read and has 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 a 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 whom loved her dearly. Ruth had a strong work ethic and lived her life with faith and integrity. Ruth enjoyed listening to classical music and church hymns.
Ruth is survived by her best friend and sister Lorna Preston; niece Gail (Jason) Marsh; brothers Fred (Dorothy) Preston and Dennis Preston; sisters Dorothy Walta and Sue (Marty) Wacker. She is also survived by 8 nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Orvan and Dean Preston and sisters Joyce Lord and Norma Salisbury and two nieces Alison Sweet and Chelise Mitchell and one nephew Tom Walta
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family committal service will be held in Greenwood Cemetery Newton, Kansas with The Reverend 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.
Petersen Family Funeral Home is in charge of services.
Ruth and I worked together at Southwestern Bell and finished our career together retiring at the same time. Although we have been retired for many years never forgot her. She was a dear friend.
Aunt Ruth, you will always be in our hearts. Love you.
Remembering and honoring Aunt Ruth and asking for God to bring peace and blessings to the family.
So sorry to hear that Ruth has passed. Have great memories of working with Ruth and hearing her talk so lovingly of her family, especially her nieces. May she Rest In Peace and May God be with her family.
So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. Jack an I are thinking of you. Prayers to all of you.
She will be missed
Many fond memories of playing with my cousin Gail as a kid and having an “aunt Ruth” around. I always though Gail was the coolest girl around to basically have two moms! I’m so sorry for your loss and I am thinking of all of you today!
Many fond memories of playing with my cousin Gail as a kid and having an “aunt Ruth” around. I always thought Gail was the coolest to basically have 2 moms. Thinking of all of you in this difficult time! I pray you feel comforted.
I was privileged to serve on several teams and committees with Ruth at Church. She and her Newton family became close personal friends of ours. Aunt Ruth was a kind loving person she always had a smile and a hug for everyone. Aunt Ruth’s potato salad was the best. Until we meet again my friend! She will be missed by so many. We love you!
Lorna & family – So sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. I know you will miss her greatly. God knows that too and I pray He keeps you close in his loving care. Love you.
Just found out. She was a sweet lady. In the short time I spent with her, when she first came to Presbyterian Manor. My deepest condolences with you all.