Sally Ann Preston

Sally passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the Carriage House in Bay City, at the age of 95. She was born on July 13, 1929 in Alpena, Michigan to the late William and Sophia (Lang) Weinkauf.

Sally’s love of singing began in childhood. As a child, Sally sang with 3 of her sisters on the radio with her father directing. She was a member of every church choir where her husband was assigned as well as a soprano in the Bay City Grace United Methodist Church choir, her final church family.

Sally was a pastor’s wife who loved serving the Lord and others. She married Rev. Carter W. Preston on August 6, 1948. She received her LPN at Shapiro School of Nursing, and worked at hospitals in Hancock, Warren, and retired from Saginaw General Hospital, all while fulfilling her role as a pastor’s wife. Cooking and hosting church women’s circles at their home was a big part of her service to the Lord.

Family gatherings were always special to her. She would make sure to cook everyone’s favorite dish. As a result, the table was always loaded to the max!

One of her favorite things to do later in life was to color scripture cards which she donated to United Women in Faith and were included inside cards sent to church members.

Sally is survived by her children, Gary (Barbara) Preston, Midland, MI, Alan (Donna) Preston, Skanee, MI, John (Bethany) Preston, Aura, MI, Debra Lichtman, Bay City, MI and Karen (Carol) Preston, Walled Lake, MI; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carter Ward Preston and siblings, Fred, Bernard, Marie, Jean. Marjorie, Marlene, Richard, and William.

Funeral service for Sally will take place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Church – West Campus with a Nightingale Tribute to follow, performed by the Tri-City Nurse Honor Guard. Officiating will be Pastor Eric Kieb. A private interment will take place at Sanborn Township Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Gephart Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wishes of the Family, please make checks payable to Debra Lichtman.