09/24/2018

Obituary of Mary K. Preston

Mother of Dick J. Eley and Grandmother of Matthew J. Eley, Funeral Directors at Eley Funeral Home & Crematory

Mary K. Preston, 88, of rural Alger, OH died 2:28 p.m., Wed. Sept. 20, 2018, at Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, with her daughters at her side.  She was born July 5, 1930, in Hume, OH, the daughter of Lawrence A. & Edna C. (Slusser) Clark, who preceded her in death.  On July 15, 1951, she married Robert U. Preston, and he died April 2, 2013.

Survivors include, 3 daughters, Cheryl (Jim) Eckinger, Bolivar, OH, Debra (Dick) Eley, Wapakoneta, OH, Cynthia (Larry) Underwood, Alger, OH, grandchildren, Michael, Jason, & Jared Eckinger; Kelly (Tom) Nienberg, Lucas (Holli) Underwood, Robert (Michelle) Underwood; Matthew (Erika) Eley, Sarah (Kevin) Bill, & Brett Eley; 18 great grandchildren, a brother, Patrick (Penny) Clark, and numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by 6 brothers and sisters.

Mary was a homemaker and along with her husband Bob, owned and operated the McGuffey Hardware for 55 years.  For the past 30 years, she lived on the Preston family farm.  She was a graduate of Alger High School.   Mary enjoyed gardening, pie baking, reading, hosting family holiday dinners, weekly lunches with her siblings, and spending time with her family.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Wed. Sept. 26, 2018, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, 1102 Lincoln Ave. (St. Rt. 501), Wapakoneta.  Burial is to follow in the Preston Cemetery, near Alger, OH.  The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Tues. Sept, 25, at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Upper Scioto Valley School Student Need Fund.  Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.