Shirley M. Preston Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Shirley M. Preston, age 92, of Johnstown passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, October 7, 2021. She was born in Johnstown, New York on August 29, 1929, to Alvin and Eva Christman Knoblauch. She was married to Ronald C. Preston of Johnstown on September 11, 1948, at the First Baptist Church in Johnstown. They celebrated 72 years of marriage, prior to his passing on April 26, 2021. She is survived by her son Larry (Carol) Preston and daughter Linda Van Slyke, both of Johnstown, as well as by her grandsons Brett Preston, Grant (Kimberly) Preston, Christopher Preston, Matthew (Lisa) Van Slyke and Nathan Van Slyke, and her eight great-grandchildren: Julia Preston, Abigail Preston, Jack Preston, Hailey Preston, Cole Preston, Jackson Van Slyke, Marlia Van Slyke and Preston Van Slyke. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Reta Place. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Shirley worked for many years in local banks, retiring in 1991 as the head teller of the Johnstown Branch of First American Bank on the Johnstown arterial, a position that she greatly enjoyed, and which allowed her the opportunity to make many new friends. She also sold Avon products for many years. Her hobbies included crafts, crocheting, gardening, reading, and raising African violets. And you would never get between her and a garage sale. Shirley was of the Protestant faith and a long-time member of the Johnstown Reformed Church. She was descended from the Palatine Germans who settled this area in the early 1700's, which partly accounted for her strong will and stubborn streak. She never took No for an answer. She was a proud alum of the Johnstown High School Class of 1948, and she greatly enjoyed assisting in the planning of her class reunions and the frequent luncheons which celebrated the life-long friendships that were very important to her. She had many friends over the years, but was especially close to Mainie Lombardoni, Arlene Sitterly, and Georgianna Edwards. Shirley's family would like to give special thanks to her caregivers (Michelle, Carole, Breanna, Kim, Kathy, Jodi, Thurlah, and Bobbie Jo) for their thoughtful and compassionate support. Special thanks also to the Rev. R.W. Williams for bringing spiritual comfort and blessings to Shirley and her family over the past several months. A memorial service will be held at a future date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY, or to the Johnstown Reformed Church. Arrangements are being entrusted to the A.G. Cole Funeral Home, 215 E. Main Street, Johnstown NY Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com

Shirley M. Preston

August 29, 1929 - October 7, 2021