Leatha Mern Preston

Leatha Mern Preston, age 86, of Grants Pass, died Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at her home.

A viewing will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 31, 2009 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.

A graveside service will begin at 12:00 Noon, Monday, August 31, 2009 at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens with Pastor Cliff Meyer officiating. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Leatha was born a twin March 6, 1923 in Long Beach, California to Clarence & Erma Babb. In high school she was an Honor Student, belonging to many academic clubs and graduated from Jordan High School in 1941. After graduating she worked at Mettrick’s, a large grocery store chain before moving to Rogue River with her family in 1946. On March 27, 1948 in Grants Pass she married Malcolm Preston. They lived in Rogue River and Grants Pass where they raised their two boys and enjoyed watching them participate in sports throughout their school years.

She was an active member of the VFW for many years, holding offices both locally and at state levels. She was a ‘Buddy Poppy Lady’, donating to and working at many bazaars and attending many conventions. She volunteered many years at White City VA Domiciliary assisting and serving veterans. She was a member of the ‘E.A.T. Hobby Club’ in Rogue River for over 20 years. She delighted in her family and friends, camping at the coast, playing one-armed bandits in Reno, family gatherings, working crossword puzzles, crocheting, cooking, baking, playing cards and pursuing other games of skill.

In California she attended both Presbyterian and Baptist Churches. After moving to Grants Pass she and her family attended the Grants Pass Neighborhood Church.

She is survived by two sons, Robin Preston and his wife, Michele of Sandy, Oregon; and Denton Preston of Grants Pass who cared for his mother for the past 15 years; one grandson, Keith Preston of Portland, Oregon; her twin sister, Reatha Martin of Rogue River and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Malcolm Preston in 1996; her parents, Clarence & Erma Babb, and her older sister, Pauline Davidson all of Rogue River.

Gratitude is extended to her part-time caregiver and hospice for their assistance.