Kimberley Preston

Kimberley Sue Preston was not the person at the front of the room, telling jokes and gathering crowds around her. She was not the life of the party; she was the backbone. Kimberley was the kind of person who never sought out recognition or accolades. She preferred to stay in the background, hard-working and loyal, dependable and kind. Always hospitable, she welcomed her friends and family into her home and loved sharing her meals, her talents, and her thoughtfulness with them.

The 1950s is often depicted as the happy days of America, and while there were lighthearted fads like hula hoops and poodle skirts, there were some serious events as well, like the Korean Conflict and the development of the long-lasting Cold War. In 1954 The Nutcracker made its debut performance in New York, Willie Mays made “The Catch” in the World Series, and the U.S. Supreme Court made history with the Brown vs. the Board of Education decision, declaring segregation in schools unconstitutional. For a young couple on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, Michigan, one event overshadowed them all for a time; on October 31, William “Bill” and Donna (Otto) Preston welcomed their second child into their home. Kimberley Sue was soon toddling after her older brother Keith in their Dean Lake Drive home, and later, siblings Jean and Rob joined in the antics.

When Kimberley was young, she spent a lot of time outside playing with her siblings and especially enjoyed softball with her sister. The family loved vacationing in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula, and Kimberley often spent quiet hours fishing with her dad. Her grandparents lived near Rose Lake near Cadillac, Michigan, and the kids had the joy of leisurely weekends swimming, fishing, and riding bikes on the area trails. The kids attended Forest Hills schools and Kimberley fostered a small group of friends, a practice she held throughout her life.

Kimberley was a hard worker, and her first jobs included serving as a candy striper at an area hospital and working at Dunkin’ Donuts. As soon as Kimberley graduated from Forest Hills, she moved out on her own and found a job in an office, a setting she found fulfilling and purposeful. She was employed by K & M Northfield Dodge, Woodland Paving, Wolverine Tractor, and eventually Michigan CAT where she contributed for about twenty-five years.

Kimberley bought her first home in the city and rented out the upstairs to generate additional income. She was serious about being independent and responsible, and was committed to doing her best at work, but not only for the sake of job satisfaction. While living in her first home, Kimberley was blessed with the gift of her daughter. Having a child gave her even more drive to work hard and prioritize what mattered most in her life; Donna Jean.

Kimberley enjoyed welcoming guests into her home, and a favorite event was her traditional Christmas Eve gathering with her close friends. Everyone looked forward to her stuffed shells. Despite her busy schedule, she made time to cook, and some of her favorite recipes included pea soup, broccoli casserole, and delicious lasagna. Kimberley was also a skilled seamstress. Her list of impressive projects included a leisure suit for her dad and a homecoming dress for Donna Jean. She also made some stand-out Halloween costumes for her girl. She shared her love for it to the point that her sister-in-law even picked up the hobby.

Kimberley and Donna Jean spent a lot of time traveling. They enjoyed visiting friends in New Mexico and northern Michigan. Other family and friends hosted them in Marquette and Georgia. When she was home, she enjoyed flower gardening but also spent some time with her hands in the dirt out in her dad’s vegetable garden, taking advantage of the sunshine as well as time with him. After a long day at work, she would sometimes relax with Judge Judy or other television shows. After her mother passed, Kimberley bought a home just down the street from her dad. She spent many enjoyable hours with him and his longtime friend Doris. Doris also became a dear friend to her.

Kimberley was delighted when she heard she was going to be a grandma. Her two grandchildren were the light of her days. She loved spoiling them with gifts she thought they’d like or taking them out to McDonald’s. She sent cards liberally to let them know she was thinking of them. There was no hiding her adoration when she saw them walk into a room.

There are so many things about her that they will miss, but they all will treasure the memory of her kind and quiet spirit. Those closest to her knew she loved them, and that is her greatest gift.

Kimberley died on Saturday, March 9, 2024. She is survived by her daughter, Donna (Adam) Silva; two grandchildren, Abel and Delylah; siblings Keith (Brenda) Preston, Jean (Ken) Stokes, and Rob (Cathy) Preston; and a niece and several nephews. Kim was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Donna Preston and a dear close friend Doris Gillis.

Friends are invited to visit with Kim’s family on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home- Van Strien Creston Chapel, where a service will begin at 7 p.m. To read more about Kim’s life, share a memory, or sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.