July 13, 1929 – April 23, 2025
Wife of Rev. Carter W. Preston, Sally Ann Preston 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 three 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, worked at hospitals in Hancock and 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 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; as well as 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.
A funeral service for Sally will take place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace UMC – West Campus, 4267 2 Mile Road, Bay City, MI, 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, 201 West Midland St., Bay City, MI, 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.
Condolences may be sent to Debra Lichtman, 4491 East Park Drive, Bay City, MI 48706.
Last Updated on April 28, 2025