Ms. Elizabeth Anabel Preston

Betty, as she was known to her family and friends, was born in New Ulm, Minnesota in 1924 to Hugo and Frieda Glaesemann and was the fifth of six children. She attended Elgin High School in North Dakota where her family farmed. She headed out in the world upon graduation and became a welder in the Portland, Oregon shipyards working to construct Liberty Ships for the United States Navy during World War II. She met and married Ed Vaisvila, a Boatswain in the Navy, and they made their home in Illinois.

Betty was a loving mother to Carol Hastings, Antoinette McNamara, and Kathleen Fandino. She always said their births changed her life for the better, even though none of them could sing like her, and they felt special in the affection and support she provided.

She took special joy singing in her church choir, hosting and attending family gatherings, and had fond memories of traveling to North Dakota for reunions with her sister and brothers. After Ed passed away in 1968, she married Roy Jarrett. They lived happily in Illinois and moved to California in 1975. Roy passed suddenly in 1977. Later, Betty met and married Clayton Preston. They had wonderful years together until he passed in 2003. She loved all her husbands deeply and giggled when she wondered what it would be like to see them all together in heaven.

Betty is survived by her two daughters, Toni, and Kathy. Sadly, she had to bear the death of her oldest daughter, Carol, in 2007. But she reveled in the company of seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren, many family members, and close friends who will never forget the laughter and joy she brought to their lives.