Of Chelsea, age 92, died Friday, February 17, 2023, at her home. She was born December 25, 1930, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Gerald and Dorothy (Schade) Hepner.
Barbara lived on Pontiac Street and went to Donovan Elementary School which was on Wall Street. From there she went to Slauson Jr. High. High School was at Ann Arbor High School. She attended Alexander Beauty School and later had a beauty shop on Ann Street near the corner of Glen.
In her younger years, Barbara had great fun ice skating in the winter and swimming all summer long at the beach which was located on Long Shore Dr. on the north side of Ann Arbor. She and her sister, Gerry, had a great group of friends that they played with every day. She really had a great childhood.
Barbara drove a school bus in Ann Arbor and Chelsea for many years. She also worked at Arbor Hospice for seven years.
In 1952, Barbara married Robert B. Preston in Angola, Indiana. He preceded her in death on August 7, 1987. She is survived by their three children, John Preston of Roscommon, Robert (Linda) Preston of West Branch, and Gayle McMillen also of West Branch; six grandchildren, Laura, Robert, Amanda, Travis, Alex, and Tina; five great-grandchildren, Cory, Preston, Kia, Violet, Hayden, and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Harold Crist; sister, Geraldine True; and granddaughter, McKinley McMillen.
A private graveside service will be held in April. Memorial contributions may be made to the WAVE bus. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
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