Elizabeth Leona Preston

Elizabeth Leona Root Preston (Betty) Betty passed away Wednesday, April 27, surrounded by love with her family by her side. She was born August 15, 1919 in Lawton, Mi. to Dan and Leona (Nelson) Root. She graduated from Lawton high school, attended Western Michigan University, where she met her husband Robert. They married on June 1, 1941, which began 65 wonderful years together. In Betty's first teaching job, she road a horse and buggy to get to the one room school. She went on to teach vocal music in the Berrien county school system. Betty belonged to PTA for 27 years, joined TOPS Club and held her KOPS status for 32 years. She was a member of Home Extension, and joined DAR, holding many offices. She enjoyed being a mother and wife, and had fun playing games, even getting a perfect cribbage hand. Betty played the organ at Riverside Methodist Church for 30 years, and directed the choir. All her children learned to play various instruments, and to sing together, as music was so important in her life. Betty is survived by her children, Betsy (Phil) Benoit, Little Chute, Wi, Jim (Sherry) Preston, Grand Junction, Mi, Ardie Anderson (Dave Weisenberg), Apache Junction, Az., Carole (Steven) Lape, Francestown, NH, Jerry Preston (Rickey Kowalski), Kalamazoo, Mi, Philip (Helen) Preston, Fairview, NC, eleven grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob, three sisters, two brothers, and a grand daughter Nicole Benoit. A memorial service will be held at 11am, Saturday April 30 at Riverside Methodist Church, Riverside, Mi. Betty will be interned at North Shore Memory Gardens. Any donations can be sent to Riverside Methodist Church, PO Box 152, Riverside, Mi 49084. Friends may share a memory on line at www.Avinkcremation.com