Nola Rae (Johnson) Preston

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    Nola Rae Johnson Preston, 76, a resident of Shoshone, passed away on October 14, 2021 after a battle with cancer.

     Nola was born September 6, 1945 in Hailey, Idaho to Roselle Jo Johnson and Edwin Johnson.  She joined older brother - Leroy Johnson and older sister - Glenda Johnson.

     Nola spent her childhood on the farm with her family.  They moved around and lived in Richfield Idaho and briefly in Stevensville, Montana.  The family moved to Rupert, Idaho and Nola attended high school there.

     Nola met Jerry Preston at Minico High School and they were married December 16, 1961.  They farmed in the Norland area with Jerry’s parents for several years and eventually farmed their own large acreage.  In 1970 Jerry and Nola adopted their first child Janene. 

     In 1975 Nola and Jerry sold the farm in Rupert and bought a farm in Richfield.  After moving to Richfield, they adopted 5 more children over the next three years:  Steven, Paula, Melanie, Kenny, and Dorothy.  They had their hands full with farming, raising kids, keeping the house and tending to the animals and garden.  All the kids were taught those solid life skills of how to pitch in and work hard to get a job done.

     Nola and Jerry took the kids camping in the summer, along with Leroy and Glenda’s families and Jo and Ed.  All the cousins learned to bait a hook, roast a hot dog, and float the river.  Typically, a water fight ensued on the last day of the trip and no kid or adult was spared getting doused.

     As the kids grew older Nola took a job at Ward’s Cheese – now Glanbia Foods – in Richfield.  She worked for Glanbia for the next two decades as a Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Supervisor, and QA QC Manager.

     Upon retirement Nola and Jerry traveled and fished which they loved to do.  They went to Yuma, AZ in the spring to get out of the Idaho snow.  They drove up through Idaho and on to Glacier National Park.  They spent lots of time in the boat at Little Wood Reservoir, Magic Reservoir, and Duck Valley Reservation.  They bought 4-wheelers and rode them all over the South Hills and other places.

     Nola is survived by: her husband - Jerry Preston; dogs - Snickers and Pebbles; kids - Kenny Preston, Dorothy (Mike) Nelson, Janene (Jeff) Poggi, Paula Preston, and Melanie Preston (Mark); Grandkids - Bryant (Shenay) Nelson, Jesika Nelson, Derrik Nelson, Leslie (Alex) Dow, Rachel (Daniel) Walton, Andrew (Orion) Riemann, Brett Poggi, Tyler Preston, Maya Preston, and Zack Preston.  Brother - Leroy (Jackie) Johnson and their kids Julie (Steve) Merrick, Shawn (Rob) Johnson, Jeff (Shondale) Johnson, and Blake (Michelle) Johnson; Sister - Glenda Weimer and her kids - Scott (Sue) Hunter, Karie Hunter, Trina (Bill) Shelman, and David Weimer; and Sister-in-law - Shirley Neiwert. 

     She was preceded in death by: her parents - Jo and Ed Johnson; parents-in-law - Frank and Ara Mae Preston; sister-in-law - Julie Holland; brother-in-law - Jim Weimer; son-in-law - Jeff Riemann; and granddaughter - Melissa Preston.

     Everybody who knew Nola will miss her energy, spirited personality, and kindness.  They don’t make ‘em like Nola anymore.  May she rest in peace. 

     A celebration of life for Nola will be held Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 1:00pm at the Lincoln County Community Center in Shoshone, Idaho

     Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Shoshone Chapel.

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