Della Marie Preston

Della Marie Preston, aged 85, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at her residence in rural Topeka.

Marie was born on May 23, 1938, in Lawrence, Kansas, to John and Lilly Jane (Howell) Herrick.  She spent her early years in the Burlingame community.  She dedicated her time to working in various nursing homes in her younger years, later becoming a devoted homemaker.

Marie's journey through life included marriage to Donald G. Williams, with whom she shared a chapter of her life before their divorce.  Subsequently, she found love again in Jerry W. Preston.  Together, they built their lives in the Harveyville and Burlingame communities before relocating to rural Topeka in 1999.

Marie was preceded in death by her children, Candy Sue, Jerry, Timothy, Janice, and Donald Jr., her grandchildren Samantha and Savannah, and Shelby; her great-grandchild Noah, and her siblings, John Herrick Jr., Katherine Grham, and Mary Hittle.

Surviving her is her loving husband, Jerry Preston, along with her children: John Williams, Michael Williams, Linda Williams, Tom Williams, and Lisa Shoffner.  Additionally, she is survived by a stepdaughter, Carea Kuhn, and her siblings, Henry Herrick, Nancy Simpson, and Margaret Watts.  Her legacy extends to over 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she leaves behind over 30 great-great-grandchildren.

A private family graveside service will be in the Keene Cemetery.

For those who wish to make memorial contributions in Marie's name, please send them to Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.