Rosemary Preston

Rosemary Martin Preston, longtime resident of Roswell, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, April 14, 2018 in Las Cruces NM. Rosemary was a native New Mexican born in Dexter, NM on August 1, 1923, the third daughter of Learue and Zella Bost Martin. Her love of singing began as a young child and she continued to enjoy singing in choirs and groups all her life. Rosemary accompanied many Dexter high school performances as well as playing at her church.
Upon her high school graduation in 1942, she attended James Millikin University in Decatur, IL where she studied music education. Her studies were cut short in 1945 when she had to return home and help take care of her ailing father.
On January 15, 1946, H. Kay Preston, a childhood friend and Dexter classmate, was discharged from the US Army. In less than a month, Rosemary and Kay were married on Valentine's Day and moved to Las Vegas, NM where Kay could finish his college studies. As a young couple living on $90 a month, they were like many other GI's attending college and made do and survived. In 1948, they moved to Tatum where Kay's professional career began as an educator. Later in 1955, they moved to Roswell where they lived until 2007 when they moved to Las Cruces to be closer to family.
Taking care of her family and home brought much joy to Rosemary. Her cookies were the best and she could whip up a dinner in no time and she loved to sew for herself and for her daughter. Their children and later grandchildren reaped the benefits of a great homelife.
Kay and Rosemary were inseparable, truly a couple who did most everything together. In their retirement years, Kay and Rosemary travelled many a mile and fished many a stream enjoying camping with friends and family. They were both active at First United Methodist Church, Elks Club and Cactus Sam's Travel Club.
When Kay passed in 2014, four days after their 68th anniversary, it truly left a hole in Rosemary's heart. The family rejoices that they are finally together again.
Rosemary is survived by daughter Jan Archey (James) of Las Cruces, son Daniel Kim Preston of Bernalillo, NM; grandchildren, Jeb Archey (Mindy) and great-granddaughters Katy Susanna and Addison Rose of Clovis and Joe Archey (Rebecca) and great-granddaughter Ellie Grace of Colorado Springs. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Josephine Landers and Francis Hager. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
Rosemary and Kay's ashes have been combined and they will be interred at South Park Cemetery in Roswell on Friday, October 5 at 10:30. A reception will be held in their honor at 11:30 at First United Methodist Church at 200 N Pennsylvania, Roswell 88201-4666. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to First UMC Roswell.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com.

Service

Graveside

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, October 5, 2018
10:30 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

First United Methodist Church Cowboy Bell Fund
200 N. Pennsylvannia
Roswell, NM  88201