Louisa Natalia Preston

Louisa Preston was called home to her Lord and Savior on December 7, 2015 with her husband, daughter, her brother and his wife and niece (Dawn was an incredible help) at her side. After a 2 1/2 year battle with a rare cancer she left this world with a beautiful expression of peace on her face. This was her second bout with cancer, the first being Ovarian, 16 years ago. She was a survivor and a fighter to the end. Louisa was born in Salinas, California on June 19, 1950. Louisa could light up any room with her infectious smile, a laugh you could pick out in any crowd and an incredible light in her eyes. She was so easy to love. I was blessed to be her husband for 47 years.

Louisa had a pretty incredible work career. She was a state typing champion as well as a shorthand champion from Oxnard High School graduating in 1967. That resulted in a job with the law firm of Clark, Cole and Fairfield. The late Judge Bill Clark, Jr. was President Ronald Reagan's executive secretary prior to his governorship and became a key part of his staff & cabinet during the Reagan presidency.

After marrying USAF SSgt David Preston on February 22, 1969, St Paul's Methodist Church in Oxnard, CA she followed her husband's career path which led to moves to Riverside, CA, Waco, Texas (God Bless Texas, so many great friendships), Calgary, Canada, then back to Waco and Houston, Texas, Ft. Wayne, Indiana and then to Visalia nearly 25 years ago when we took over her parents business Safety Striping Service, Inc. The company was founded by her dad and his step dad the year Louisa was born. She was a wonderful business partner. Life in Texas was awesome. Louisa became a real estate agent, then broker and GRI. She was a top "Diamond Club" producer, several years in a row for Jim Stewart Realtors.

Louisa is predeceased by her father, Kenneth Spitler, a native Californian and mother, Luigia Spitler, a war bride from Trieste, Italy. Louisa would proudly say she was Made in Italy. I did talk her out of the tattoo, her comment was the only other person that would see it would be the mortician that probably needs a laugh. Louisa is survived by her husband David Preston; her daughter Jennifer (Eddie) both USMC SSgt's stationed in San Diego; her brother, Larry Spitler (Susan) of Visalia; her sister Leslie, Franklin, Tennessee; several nieces and nephews and too many friends to count. I can't forget her Miniature Schnauzer, Lexi who was a big light in her life.

We want to give special thanks to all of the love and support we have received during our lifetime together; especially the last 2 1/2 years. Dr. Bob Havard and Katrina Lomelli RN, at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center as well as the rest of the SRCC nursing staff to include Erica at reception. We know they did all they could and gave the best treatments available. The nursing staff at Kaweah Delta was great. And to the hospice team spiritually led by Chaplain Kent Mishler and the hospice nurses . . . Thank you!

"It's not the years in your life that matter, it's the life in your years". Louisa made each day matter. Her (our) favorite verse was and is Psalm 118:24 "This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." She did not waiver from that, right down to the last day of her life on earth.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at GateWay Church, 1100 S. Sowell of Visalia at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 19, 2015.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to GateWay Church, Visalia, Kaweah Delta Hospice Care, Visalia Rescue Mission, Samaritan's Purse, Wounded Warriors or your favorite charity.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.