Betty Jean Preston

Betty Jean Preston, age 84 of Sparta, passed away Friday, July 29, 2016. She was born June 11, 1932 in Springfield, the daughter of James Irvin and Ada (Wideman) Haile. On June 19, 1953 Betty was united in marriage to Jim Ray Preston. Betty was a member of Ozark Christian Church. When her husband retired in 1979, they began traveling often to Florida. Jim Ray and Betty loved picking oranges and spending their winters in Panama City Beach, providing a place for their children to vacation and to spend time together. In 1974, Betty became part of the first volunteer ambulance team for Christian County, Sparta division. She taught classes for emergency management services and was very proud of delivering ten babies during her time with EMT. She received many thank you letters and enjoyed keeping up with the lives of the children she delivered. Betty enjoyed cooking. Homemade bread and chicken and dumplings were her specialties. Betty was a quilter, sewing many quilts for family members. Survivors include: four children, Sandra Smith (Jerry,) Rexanna Aldridge (Terry,) Sheila Gant (Larry,) and Glen Preston (Rose;) grandchildren, Michelle, Jeremy, Brantley, Kristy, Tera, Scott, Keith, Kyle, Ronnie, Alison and Matthew; 17 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. Betty's family would like to thank Seasons Hospice and Ozark Riverview Manor for their care. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2016 in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Gale Osburn officiating. Burial will follow in Sparta Cemetery, Sparta. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. immediately before the funeral in the funeral home.